FAKE IMMIGRATION LAWYER GETS 10 YEARS IN PRISON

 

NEWS FROM DON KNABE

Supervisor, Fourth District

County of Los Angeles

822 Hahn Hall of Administration

Contact:        David Sommers    (213) 974-1095

                                                (213) 453-6446 (cell)

FAKE IMMIGRATION LAWYER GETS 10 YEARS IN PRISON

LOS ANGELES, February 9, 2009 – One of the largest immigration fraud cases in Los Angeles County history was recently concluded with a fake immigration lawyer being sentenced to 10 years in prison. Romina Zadorian, a 39-year-old resident of Montebello, was sentenced to prison and ordered to pay a full refund to each of the victims of the immigration scam, totaling $900,000.

Dozens of victims of the scam attended Zadorian’s sentencing on February 3, including several who testified about the fees they were charged for fake immigration services. Because Zadorian is not a United States citizen, she also faces possible deportation to her native Armenia upon completion of her prison term.

The extent of the immigration scam was revealed after complaints started coming into the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs.  In April 2008, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office charged Zadorian with 51 counts of felony grand theft. Prosecutors added 55 more counts two months later after identifying more victims. The victims are from many different countries, including Israel, Mexico, Armenia, China, and Belgium.

“Victims reported that Zadorian charged fees ranging from $6,000 to $30,000 for services she never provided,” said Supervisor Don Knabe, Chairman of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. “She assured her victims that she could help them with their cases because she knew special laws and had special connections with immigration officials. Instead, Zadorian filed wrong documents, submitted bad checks for payment of fees, or did nothing at all.”

“The Department of Consumer Affairs hopes this action sends a message that this type of fraudulent activity will not be tolerated in Los Angeles County,” said Pastor Herrera, Director of Consumer Affairs.

Consumers can follow these tips to spot and avoid immigration scams:

• Confirm bond – Non-lawyers who provide immigration services must have a $50,000 bond. You can file a claim against the bond if you are defrauded. Confirm bonds here: www.sos.ca.gov/business/sf/bond_search/
• Non-lawyers cannot give you legal advice – Consult an immigration attorney if you need help. Non-lawyers can hurt your case and cost you a lot of money. Verify attorney licenses here: members.calbar.ca.gov/search/member.aspx
• Confirm bond – Non-lawyers who provide immigration services must have a $50,000 bond. You can file a claim against the bond if you are defrauded. Confirm bonds here: www.sos.ca.gov/business/sf/bond_search/
• Non-lawyers cannot give you legal advice – Consult an immigration attorney if you need help. Non-lawyers can hurt your case and cost you a lot of money. Verify attorney licenses here: members.calbar.ca.gov/search/member.aspx
• Get a contract in your language – You have the right to get a contract in your language and in English that lists the services you are getting, tells you how much you will pay, and gives you 3 days to cancel without any charge.
• Cancel your contract in writing – If you cancel your contract, do it in writing. Send your letter by certified mail and keep a copy.
• Get receipts – Request receipts for each payment you make. Save them.
• Don’t give out your original documents – Give them copies only, and keep your originals in a safe place.
• Beware of promises – People who tell you they know special laws, have connections with immigration officials, or can rush your case are lying.
• Look for signs inside the office – Non-lawyers who help with immigration cases must display signs that say they are not lawyers, show their name and bond number, and list the fees they charge for each service.
• Check your case status with US Citizenship and Immigration Services often: If you have a receipt number from USCIS, you can check online here: egov.uscis.gov/cris/caseStatusSearchDisplay.do;jsessionid=cbapzlZIAGakX-ldRsd9r. If you don’t have a receipt number, you can check in person. Find your closest office here: egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=offices.type&OfficeLocator.office_type=LO
• Report fraud right away – If you believe something is wrong, file a complaint with the County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs: 800-593-8222, www.dca.lacounty.gov

 

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