FBI issues warning on imposter scams, some targeting immigrants in Chicago, across US

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Fraudsters are posing as lawyers or law enforcement officials and trying to steal money from immigrants.

The ABC7 Chicago I-Team and ABC News are finding that immigration fraud is growing across the country, including in Chicago. The scammers are targeting immigrants and others who may be vulnerable.

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"Individuals will direct victims in order to pay a 'bond,' and that's to make it so they don't go to jail," said Robert Richardson, with the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.

Special agent Richardson says law enforcement impersonation scams can target anyone, but some of those scam artists are preying on immigrants living in the U.S. without legal authorization. The FBI is issuing a warning about fakes.

"They are impersonating myself, my team, but we see they are impersonating a wide variety of individuals in the federal government," Richardson said. "It inspires us to use every investigative and prosecutorial resources to find them and bring justice."

The U.S. Attorney's Office recently charged a woman in Chicago for allegedly swindling multiple victims out of $3.5 million, claiming their money would be used to support immigration.

And in New York, five were charged with impersonating immigration judges, law enforcement officers and lawyers. They entered a not guilty plea.

Edith did not want to use her last name, but the South Carolina woman says she lost $10,000 to a fake immigration attorney after her husband was detained.

"My partner calls me and tells me, 'your lawyer didn't arrive. Your lawyer didn't enter the video call,'" Edith said.

Catholic Charities also says criminals are impersonating them and other organizations.

"People claiming to be Catholic charities and other organizations that provide legal services to immigrants and refugees and using social media to fraudulently offer services, express urgency, ask for money. And for us it's been, it's heartbreaking to see people who are in need and looking for help and being taken advantage of," said Kevin Brennan, with Catholic Charities.

The FBI says when in doubt call an agency or trusted law enforcement phone number on your own.

"We generally won't call you and say, 'there is a warrant for your arrest. Send us money.' Generally speaking we will be there," Richardson said.

Experts say many of these scams are on social media apps through ads. Or they reach out via direct message.

Always be skeptical of anyone expressing urgency or asking for a quick payment.