San Diego City Attorney Warns of Scammers Targeting Migrants

Impersonators claim to offer legal or immigration assistance, but the city attorney's office does not provide such services.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The San Diego City Attorney's Office is warning the public to be cautious of individuals who claim to be attorneys or government representatives offering legal or immigration assistance. The city attorney's office does not provide legal services to individuals, including legal immigration help, and will never request payment or sensitive personal information by phone, text, social media, or private messaging platforms.

Why it matters

This warning highlights the ongoing problem of scammers targeting vulnerable populations, such as migrants, by impersonating officials and offering fraudulent legal or immigration services. It's important for the public to be aware of these types of scams in order to protect themselves from falling victim.

The details

According to the news release, the San Diego City Attorney's Office says 'impersonating an attorney to take advantage of someone in immigration detention is deplorable and unlawful.' The office is advising residents to not engage with anyone claiming to be affiliated with them and offering legal services, and to instead report any suspected scams to the State Bar of California and local law enforcement.

  • The news release was published on February 13, 2026.

The players

Heather Ferbert

The San Diego City Attorney who issued the warning about scammers targeting migrants.

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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 (borderreport.com)

What’s next

The San Diego City Attorney's Office is recommending that people report any suspected scams to the State Bar of California and local law enforcement.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing problem of scammers targeting vulnerable populations, such as migrants, by impersonating officials and offering fraudulent legal or immigration services. It's a reminder for the public to be cautious of unsolicited offers of assistance and to verify the credentials of anyone claiming to provide legal or government services.