AI scams use fake videos to impersonate immigration lawyer – NBC 6 South Florida
AI scams use fake videos to impersonate immigration lawyer – NBC 6 South Florida
Publish Date: 2026-06-05 20:19:00
Source Domain: www.nbcmiami.com
- Immigration lawyer Ángel Leal is impersonated by criminals creating fake videos with his image, voice, and name to scam immigrants into paying for legal services.
- Scammers use these manipulated videos to lure vulnerable people, often preying on urgency or fake testimonials that suggest obtaining immigration benefits.
- The fraudulent schemes promise unrealistic outcomes like returning deported individuals and granting work permits, often showing fake ICE agents or police to intimidate victims.
- The impact of these scams extends beyond financial harm; some victims receive deportation orders unknowingly due to these scams.
- To combat the issue, Leal hired a company to combat digital piracy, which has taken down 6,454 fake profiles since March, and he is working with federal and local authorities.
- Leal and fraud experts advise verifying information directly with his office and avoiding payment methods like Zelle or Venmo for legal services, recommending credit cards instead.
