A group of immigrants in the United States fell prey to a sophisticated scam where cybercriminals set up a fake virtual court, promising them residency processing in the country.
The victims, mostly women, were deceived by an impostor lawyer who assured them he could secure their residency for a few thousand dollars. The fraud was orchestrated by Gustavo Cortés, who admitted to Univisión Noticias that the entire setup was operated from a prison in Venezuela.
Cortés, along with other unidentified accomplices, organized virtual sessions that simulated immigration hearings, using actors and fake documents to lend credibility to the process. One of the victims revealed she paid over $3,000 for the supposed immigration procedure. Most of the defrauded individuals belonged to a religious congregation in New York, which facilitated trust in the fake lawyer and his team.
This scam has alarmed immigrant communities, who rely on legal processes to regularize their status in the United States. It is recommended that individuals always verify the authenticity of the lawyers and immigration processes they engage with, and stay vigilant against potential fraud, especially in digital spaces.
Immigration authorities have intensified their warnings about these types of scams, which are diversifying and increasing with the use of internet tools and artificial intelligence worldwide.
Understanding the Fake Virtual Court Scam
Given the alarming nature of this scam, many questions arise concerning its operation and prevention. Below we address some of the most pressing inquiries.
How did the fake virtual court operate?
The scam involved setting up virtual sessions that mimicked real immigration hearings, complete with actors and falsified documents to make the process seem legitimate.
Who was behind the scam?
The fraud was orchestrated by Gustavo Cortés from a prison in Venezuela, alongside other unidentified accomplices.
What can immigrants do to protect themselves from such scams?
Immigrants should always verify the credentials of lawyers and the authenticity of the immigration processes they are involved in, and remain cautious of potential fraud, especially online.