Alert: Scammers Impersonating Attorneys Using Real Bar Information

👉 This scam is actively targeting vulnerable communities, including individuals seeking immigration assistance.
This page can be translated using your browser’s translation tools.  

A growing scam is targeting both attorneys and the public by impersonating licensed lawyers using real bar numbers and publicly available information.

These fraudsters are collecting attorney names and credentials from official bar association listings and using them to create convincing—but entirely fake—profiles. In some cases, scammers stage video calls, use professional logos, and communicate through platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok to appear legitimate.

Victims are often asked to pay significant legal fees for services that are never performed. In immigration-related cases, the consequences can be especially serious, including missed deadlines or improper filings that may negatively impact a person’s legal status.

What to Watch For

Scams of this type often involve:

• Unsolicited contact offering legal services
• Communication through messaging apps or social media platforms
• Requests for payment before any formal engagement
• Use of real attorney names and bar numbers without verification

How to Protect Yourself

If you are contacted by someone claiming to be an attorney:

• Verify their identity through the North Carolina State Bar’s official directory: https://www.ncbar.gov
• Contact the attorney directly using publicly listed contact information
• Be cautious of any outreach that you did not initiate
• Avoid sending payment or personal information until legitimacy is confirmed

Report Suspected Fraud

If you believe you have been contacted by a scammer or have been a victim of fraud, you can report it to:

North Carolina Attorney General – Consumer Protection Division
📞 1-877-5-NO-SCAM (1-877-566-7226)
🌐 https://ncdoj.gov/file-a-complaint/

North Carolina State Bar
📞 919-828-4620
🌐 https://www.ncbar.gov

A Note from the firm

Attorneys in North Carolina are ethically restricted in how they solicit clients. If you receive unexpected outreach offering legal services, it should be carefully verified before taking any action.

If you have questions about whether a communication is legitimate, we encourage you to contact our office directly or verify the attorney through official State Bar resources.