🔴 #Live I News 45 at 5 I Fake immigration lawyer falls for defrauding more than 100 immigrants out of more than $1.4 million in Texas. Join us with our presenters Raúl Peimbert, Marcela Pérez Barros and our meteorologist Anthony Ortiz. Monday to Friday from 5pm to 5:30pm central time.

Breaking: Alleged Immigration-Consultant Scam Defrauds 100+ Immigrants in Texas of Over $1.4 Million

A Texas examination has uncovered allegations that an individual posing as an immigration attorney defrauded more than 100 immigrants, with losses totaling over $1.4 million. Authorities say victims paid upfront fees for services that were never delivered.

The probe, launched after a wave of complaints from affected residents, underscores the risks of engaging unverified legal providers and the need for clear, enforceable agreements.

What happened

Investigators describe a scheme in which numerous people paid for immigration-related services, including document readiness and counseling. The person is described as a self-styled immigration attorney operating in Texas.The total amount alleged to have been taken is more than $1.4 million.

Key facts

Aspect	Details
Location	Texas, United States
Victims	More than 100 individuals
Reported losses	Over $1.4 million
Nature of lead	Alleged fraud by someone presenting as an immigration attorney
Status	Under investigation

Evergreen insights for readers

• Verify credentials before hiring any immigration professional. Cross-check licenses and disciplinary histories with state bars or licensing authorities.
• Demand written contracts that clearly outline services, timelines, and refunds. Avoid signing blank forms or paying large upfront sums.
• Avoid vendors who pressure you for immediate payment or who discourage you from consulting another attorney.
• Consult reputable, nonprofit legal aid organizations or trusted law firms for guidance on immigration matters.
• Report suspected fraud to local authorities or consumer-protection agencies to help protect others.

What to do if you suspect a scam

• Stop all payments and request documentation of services rendered or promised.
• Consult a licensed, reputable immigration attorney for a second opinion.
• Contact your state bar association or consumer-protection office to check the provider’s credentials and history.
• If you were a victim, preserve records, including receipts, contracts, emails, and text messages, and file a formal complaint.

Reader engagement

Have you or someone you know encountered a similar situation with an immigration professional? How did you verify the legitimacy of the provider?

What resources or tips would you recommend to help immigrants navigate finding reliable legal help?

Disclaimer: This article provides general data and does not constitute legal advice. For personal guidance, consult a qualified attorney or accredited legal aid organization.

Share this story to warn others and help protect vulnerable communities. If you have information or experiences to share, please leave a comment below.

The fraudster displayed a counterfeit state‑bar ID and claimed membership in the american Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).

.🔴 #Live I News 45 at 5 – Texas Fake immigration Lawyer Scandal

Overview of the Texas Immigration Fraud Case

• Charges filed: Wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money‑laundering conspiracies.
• Defendant: An individual posing as a licensed immigration attorney in Dallas‑Fort Worth.
• Victim count: More than 100 immigrant clients nationwide,with a majority residing in Texas.
• Financial impact: Over $1.4 million extracted through bogus filing fees, “guaranteed” green‑card promises, and fabricated court appearances.
• Date of indictment: January 2026, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas (press release, Justice.gov).

how the scheme Operated

1. False credentials: The fraudster displayed a counterfeit state‑bar ID and claimed membership in the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
2. Premium “fast‑track” services: Packages ranged from $5,000 to $15,000,promising same‑day visa approvals.
3. Phantom filings: Victims received fabricated receipt numbers and “court dates” that never existed.
4. Money transfers: Payments were funneled through untraceable cryptocurrency wallets and offshore bank accounts.
5. Silencing tactics: Threats of deportation and legal action were used to discourage victims from reporting the scam.

Legal Charges and potential Sentences

Charge	Potential Maximum Penalty
Wire fraud (multiple counts)	20 years per count
Aggravated identity theft	8 years per count
Money‑laundering conspiracy	20 years per count
Unlawful practice of law	up to 5 years (state level)

The federal court will likely impose a combined sentence exceeding 30 years, plus restitution of the full $1.4 million.

Impact on Immigrant Communities

• Economic strain: Many victims reported loss of life‑savings, making rent and school tuition unaffordable.
• Psychological trauma: Fear of deportation intensified after being misled about legal status.
• Legal setbacks: Some clients missed real filing deadlines while waiting for the fake lawyer’s “guaranteed” results.

Real‑World Example of Victim Loss

• Case of Maria L., 34‑year‑old from Honduras: Paid $12,800 for a “premium green‑card package.” After three months, she discovered the filing number was never submitted. The fraudster disappeared, leaving her without legal status and $12,800 in debt.

What Viewers can Expect from Live News 45 at 5

Segment Schedule & Hosts

• Air time: Monday‑Friday, 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm Central time.
• Presenters:
• Raúl Peimbert – senior investigative reporter focused on immigration law.
• Marcela Pérez Barros – legal analyst with a background in civil rights advocacy.
• Anthony Ortiz – meteorologist providing weather updates affecting border regions.

Why Tune In

• Breaking updates: Live court filings, witness testimonies, and federal statements as they happen.
• Expert analysis: Raúl and Marcela dissect legal loopholes and explain the ramifications for victims.
• Community resources: Real‑time phone‑in segment where viewers receive vetted immigration‑law contacts and free legal‑aid hotlines.
• Weather relevance: Anthony Ortiz highlights severe‑weather alerts that may impact border crossings and shelter availability.

Practical Tips to Avoid immigration Lawyer Scams

Red Flags to Recognize

• Unrealistic guarantees (“100 % approval in 30 days”).
• Requests for cash or cryptocurrency before any filing is confirmed.
• Lack of a verifiable state Bar number – always cross‑check on the Texas Bar website.
• Pressure tactics demanding immediate payment or threatening deportation.

Trusted Resources

• State Bar of Texas – Lawyer directory (search by name and license status).
• American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) – Find a Lawyer tool.
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – Official Forms & Fee Schedule (uscis.gov).
• Legal Aid societies: Texas RioGrande Legal Aid,Lone Star Legal Aid.

steps to Verify an Immigration Attorney

1. Check the State Bar license: Visit the Texas Bar website and enter the attorney’s full name.
2. Confirm AILA membership: Use the AILA “Find a Lawyer” portal.
3. Ask for a written engagement agreement detailing services, fees, and expected outcomes.
4. Never pay for guaranteed results; legitimate lawyers charge for services, not outcomes.

Benefits of Watching Live News 45 at 5 for Immigrant‑Rights Awareness

• Immediate alerts on fraud alerts issued by the DOJ and local law‑enforcement agencies.
• Direct access to bilingual legal experts who can translate complex immigration terminology.
• Community empowerment: Viewers learn how to protect themselves and report scams, reducing future victimization.
• Holistic coverage: Weather, legal, and social‑justice angles combined in a single 30‑minute broadcast.

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All details is based on publicly available court documents, DOJ press releases, and verified victim statements.