San Diego City Attorney Warns of Immigration Scams

Scammers posing as lawyers or officials are targeting immigrants, authorities say.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The San Diego City Attorney's Office is warning the public about scammers who are pretending to be attorneys or government officials and requesting payments for immigration-related legal services. The office clarified that it does not provide any direct legal assistance or immigration services, and urged people to report any such incidents to law enforcement and the State Bar of California.

Why it matters

This scam targets vulnerable immigrant communities, taking advantage of their need for legal services and potentially costing victims significant sums of money. The City Attorney's warning aims to raise awareness and prevent further exploitation.

The details

According to the City Attorney's Office, the scammers may contact people through phone calls, text messages, or social media, claiming to represent the City Attorney's Office and offering immigration-related legal services in exchange for payment. However, the office does not actually provide any such services or request sensitive personal information in this manner.

  • The City Attorney's Office issued the warning on February 14, 2026.

The players

Heather Ferbert

The San Diego City Attorney.

California Department of Justice

The state agency that victims of the scam can consult.

State Bar of California

The organization that regulates attorneys in the state, to which the scams should be reported.

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What they’re saying

“Impersonating an attorney to take advantage of someone in immigration detention is deplorable and unlawful.”

— Heather Ferbert, San Diego City Attorney (timesofsandiego.com)

What’s next

Victims of the scam are encouraged to report it to the California Department of Justice and find legitimate legal aid through the website www.lawhelpca.org.

The takeaway

This scam highlights the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any individual or organization claiming to provide immigration-related legal services, and the need for the public to be vigilant against such predatory practices targeting vulnerable communities.