Canada :Fake immigration Lawyers Cause Chaos for Newcomers

Newcomers to Canada seeking assistance with immigration matters often turn to lawyers for guidance. However, in Montreal, a troubling trend is emerging as individuals posing as immigration lawyers exploit immigrants and refugees, leading to significant repercussions.

The Montreal Bar has observed a surge in allegations of individuals impersonating immigration lawyers, prompting a warning to newcomers to remain vigilant. David Ettedgui, president of the Montreal Bar, stressed the severity of the situation, prompting the launch of an awareness campaign aimed at preventing individuals from falling victim to these scams.

According to Ettedgui, nearly 40 per cent of the bar’s investigations into illegal legal practices in 2022 were related to immigration, a sharp increase from 13 per cent in 2018. These fake lawyers often approach victims on social media platforms, offering their services at exorbitant costs and delivering subpar or incomplete assistance.

The bar’s awareness campaign targets online platforms and community groups connected to immigrants and refugees, aiming to educate them about the risks and provide resources to verify a lawyer’s credentials and file complaints if necessary.

Community organizations like the Welcome Collective have encountered clients who have been deceived by fake lawyers or unauthorized immigration consultants. Mariangel Betancourt, a community worker, highlighted the devastating consequences of such scams, including delayed applications, abandoned claims, and even deportation.

While other bar associations across Canada have not reported significant increases in cases of fake immigration lawyers, the Canadian Bar Association acknowledged the longstanding concern, particularly in urban areas with large immigrant populations.

Montreal immigration lawyer Lisa Middlemiss emphasized the cascade of problems that arise when unauthorized individuals handle immigration cases, stressing the complexity of rectifying mistakes made by those unfamiliar with legal regulations.

Ankit Joshi, an immigrant from India, shared his harrowing experience of falling victim to a fraudulent immigration consultant in Halifax. Joshi’s encounter with the unauthorized consultant jeopardized his immigration application and underscored the importance of seeking reputable legal assistance.

As cases of immigration fraud continue to surface, it is imperative for newcomers to exercise caution and seek assistance from accredited professionals to avoid potential pitfalls. Through education and awareness, individuals can safeguard their immigration journey and prevent exploitation by fake lawyers and consultants.