Undefined EOIR Fraud Prevention Program: How To Report In 2025
A practical guide to filing complaints with EOIR’s Fraud and Abuse Prevention Program and protecting yourself from immigration scams.
The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) operates a specialized Fraud and Abuse Prevention Program that serves as a central hub for complaints about immigration fraud, scams, and the unauthorized practice of immigration law within immigration court proceedings. This guide explains what the program does, when and how to file a complaint, and how to protect yourself and your community from immigration-related fraud.
Understanding EOIR and the Fraud and Abuse Prevention Program
EOIR is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice responsible for conducting immigration court proceedings, including removal hearings and related appeals. To safeguard the integrity of these proceedings, EOIR created the Fraud and Abuse Prevention Program (often called the Fraud Program). The program focuses on fraud that occurs in connection with immigration cases before EOIR, as well as scams targeting immigrants whose cases may or may not be in court.
According to official EOIR materials and privacy impact assessments, the Fraud Program:
- Receives, processes, and tracks complaints about immigration fraud, scams, and unauthorized practice of immigration law within or related to EOIR proceedings.
- Investigates complaints and, when appropriate, refers them to federal, state, local, territorial, or tribal law enforcement and disciplinary authorities.
- Supports investigations, prosecutions, and disciplinary proceedings involving fraud and abuse connected to EOIR cases.
- Offers training to EOIR personnel on identifying fraud and provides public education, including scam alerts posted on the EOIR website.
The program is led by a designated anti-fraud officer, who serves as EOIR’s primary point of contact for potential fraud affecting multiple cases or legal representatives in immigration court.
What Types of Problems You Can Report
EOIR’s Fraud and Abuse Prevention Program focuses on issues that implicate the integrity of immigration proceedings or exploit immigrants seeking legal status or other benefits. Complaints typically fall into three broad categories.
Immigration Fraud Connected to EOIR Cases
The program accepts information about suspected fraud occurring in or relating to immigration court proceedings, such as:
- Submission of fabricated or altered documents in removal proceedings.
- False statements or misrepresentations made to the immigration court.
- Patterns of fraudulent applications affecting multiple cases, such as repeated use of false supporting documents by the same representative.
Unauthorized Practice of Immigration Law
Many complaints involve individuals who are not authorized to provide legal representation or advice in immigration matters but who hold themselves out as experts, sometimes using titles like “consultant” or “notario.”
Examples include:
- Non-lawyers charging for services that require a licensed attorney or accredited representative.
- Individuals preparing filings for immigration court without being authorized to appear before EOIR.
- Unqualified representatives promising guaranteed results or special insider access to judges or government officials.
Immigration Scams Targeting the Public
The Fraud Program also highlights and responds to general immigration-related scams aimed at the public, even if victims are not in active court proceedings. Scam alerts issued by EOIR describe patterns such as:
- Fraudsters impersonating government officials and demanding payments to avoid deportation.
- Businesses claiming a special relationship with EOIR or immigration judges.
- Offers of fake relief from removal or nonexistent immigration programs.
EOIR vs. USCIS: Where to Send Your Tip
One key step before filing a complaint is deciding which agency should receive your information. EOIR and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) handle different parts of the immigration system.
| Issue Type | Best Agency to Contact | Typical Context |
|---|---|---|
| Fraud in immigration court (removal proceedings, EOIR appeals) | EOIR Fraud and Abuse Prevention Program | Conduct in hearings, filings with immigration judges, or scams tied to EOIR cases. |
| Fraud involving applications or petitions filed with USCIS | USCIS Tip Form | Benefit fraud related to forms like I-130, I-485, N-400, and similar applications. |
| Unauthorized practice of immigration law affecting both court and USCIS filings | Often EOIR if court cases are involved; USCIS if limited to benefit applications. | Individuals or businesses preparing multiple types of immigration filings without authorization. |
USCIS specifically instructs that suspected immigration benefit fraud and abuse related to applications before USCIS should be reported through its online tip form, while scams related to EOIR proceedings should go to EOIR’s Fraud Program.
How to File a Complaint with EOIR’s Fraud Program
EOIR provides multiple ways to contact the Fraud and Abuse Prevention Program. Official materials emphasize email and telephone as primary channels, and some documents note a mailing address for EOIR’s headquarters.
Core Contact Methods
- Email: Complaints may be submitted directly via email to the Fraud Program, which serves as the central intake point for suspected immigration fraud, scams, and unauthorized practice of immigration law.
- Phone: A fraud hotline is available for reporting suspected fraud or asking questions about the process.
- Mail: EOIR’s published materials list its headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia, for written requests such as FOIA and Privacy Act submissions, though fraud complaints are typically encouraged via email or phone to ensure timely handling.
Because contact details and procedures can change over time, complainants should always verify current information on the official EOIR Fraud and Abuse Prevention Program webpage or related fact sheets.
Information You Should Include
To help EOIR evaluate and respond to a complaint, it is important to provide clear and specific information. While EOIR does not require a particular form for every complaint, the following details are typically useful:
- Names and roles of people involved (for example, alleged perpetrator, victim, legal representative, interpreter).
- Dates and locations of the fraudulent conduct or scam, including hearing dates or city where the incident occurred.
- Case information related to EOIR proceedings, such as the alien registration number (A-number), court location, and judge’s name, if known.
- Description of the conduct, including what was promised, what was done, and how it appeared fraudulent or abusive.
- Documents or evidence available, such as emails, receipts, contracts, or copies of suspicious filings.
- Impact on the victim, including money lost, harm to the immigration case, or threats received.
Providing detailed information assists EOIR in determining whether the matter falls within its jurisdiction, whether referrals to other agencies are appropriate, and what investigative or disciplinary steps might be taken.
How EOIR Uses and Protects Complaint Information
EOIR’s Fraud and Abuse Prevention Program operates within federal privacy and records management frameworks. A formal privacy impact assessment explains how complaint data is collected, stored, and used.
Investigation and Referral
Once EOIR receives a complaint, the Fraud Program may:
- Review and analyze the information to determine whether it indicates possible fraud, misrepresentation, or unauthorized practice of immigration law.
- Refer the complaint to appropriate law enforcement or disciplinary authorities, including federal, state, local, territorial, or tribal agencies, if criminal or regulatory violations are suspected.
- Support ongoing investigations and prosecutions by sharing relevant information and coordinating with other authorities.
- Notify EOIR’s disciplinary counsel in cases involving attorneys or accredited representatives who may have violated professional or ethical obligations.
Public Scam Alerts
To raise awareness and prevent future harm, EOIR publishes Scam Alerts based on substantiated fraud patterns reported to the program. These alerts are posted on EOIR’s website and describe general scams without revealing complainants’ identifying information. The goal is to provide practical warnings so that immigrants and advocates can recognize similar schemes.
Privacy and Access to Records
Complaint records are maintained by EOIR and access is limited to authorized employees and contractors who need the information to perform their duties. Individuals may seek access to their personal information in Fraud Program records through:
- Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to EOIR’s Office of the General Counsel.
- Privacy Act requests to view, amend, or correct personally identifiable information held in the system.
Instructions for FOIA and Privacy Act requests are posted on EOIR’s official website and may be updated as procedures evolve.
Recognizing Common Immigration Fraud and Abuse
Understanding common fraudulent tactics can help you avoid becoming a victim and assist you in spotting issues that should be reported. EOIR and legal organizations emphasize vigilance in combating immigration fraud and protecting vulnerable communities.
Red Flags in Immigration Services
- Guarantees of success regardless of your situation or criminal history.
- Claims of special connections with immigration judges, EOIR staff, or USCIS officials.
- Pressure to sign blank forms or forms in a language you cannot read.
- Refusal to provide copies of documents filed on your behalf.
- Requests for cash only payments without receipts or written agreements.
Unauthorized Legal Representatives
In EOIR proceedings, only certain individuals are authorized to represent immigrants:
- Licensed attorneys who are eligible to practice law and admitted to appear before EOIR.
- Accredited representatives working for recognized organizations under Department of Justice regulations.
Anyone outside these categories who offers full legal representation in immigration court may be engaging in the unauthorized practice of immigration law. Complaints about such conduct are appropriate for EOIR’s Fraud Program.
Best Practices for Protecting Yourself and Your Case
In addition to reporting fraud when it occurs, proactive steps can reduce your risk of being targeted by scams.
- Verify credentials: Confirm that your representative is a licensed attorney in good standing or an accredited representative recognized by EOIR.
- Use official information sources: Rely on EOIR and USCIS websites, fact sheets, and official forms instead of unofficial social media posts or anonymous online advice.
- Keep copies of everything: Maintain records of all filings, notices, receipts, and communications related to your immigration case.
- Ask questions: Legitimate representatives should be willing to explain the law, your options, and the contents of any documents they file for you.
- Report suspicious behavior promptly: Early reporting to EOIR or USCIS can prevent further harm and may help protect other potential victims.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I have to be in immigration court to file a complaint with EOIR’s Fraud Program?
No. While the Fraud Program focuses on issues related to EOIR immigration proceedings, it also addresses scams against immigrants more generally, including those who may not yet have a case in court.
Will EOIR share my complaint with law enforcement?
Yes, when appropriate. EOIR may refer complaints to federal, state, local, territorial, or tribal law enforcement and disciplinary authorities if the information suggests possible criminal or regulatory violations.
Can I remain anonymous when reporting fraud?
EOIR does not require every complainant to reveal all personal details, but providing contact information can help investigators follow up for clarification or additional evidence. Even when scam alerts are published to the public, EOIR does not include identifying information from complaints.
What if the fraud involves a USCIS application instead of immigration court?
Suspected immigration benefit fraud and abuse related to applications or petitions filed with USCIS should be reported through the official USCIS Tip Form. USCIS guidance specifies that EOIR’s Fraud Program handles issues tied to immigration court, while USCIS handles benefit fraud in its own processes.
Can EOIR discipline attorneys or representatives based on fraud complaints?
Yes. EOIR’s anti-fraud officer may notify EOIR’s disciplinary counsel and other appropriate authorities about instances of misrepresentation or abuse by attorneys or accredited representatives, which can lead to disciplinary proceedings.
References
- Fraud and Abuse Prevention Program — Executive Office for Immigration Review, U.S. Department of Justice. Accessed 2024-2025. https://www.justice.gov/eoir/fraud-and-abuse-prevention-program
- EOIR Policy Manual, Part I, Chapter 7: Fraud and Abuse Prevention Program — Executive Office for Immigration Review, U.S. Department of Justice. Updated 2024. https://www.justice.gov/eoir/policy-manual-eoir/part-I/chapter-7
- Privacy Impact Assessment for the Fraud and Abuse Prevention Program — Office of Privacy and Civil Liberties, U.S. Department of Justice. 2021-11-05. https://www.justice.gov/opcl/media/1438461/dl
- Fraud and Abuse Prevention Program Fact Sheet — Executive Office for Immigration Review, U.S. Department of Justice. 2024-01. https://www.justice.gov/eoir/fraud-and-abuse-prevention-program-fact-sheet
- USCIS Tip Form — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Accessed 2024-2025. https://www.uscis.gov/report-fraud/uscis-tip-form
- EOIR Reminder Regarding Fraud and Abuse Prevention Program — Executive Office for Immigration Review summary via MyAttorneyUSA / AILA reference. 2016. https://myattorneyusa.com/immigration-blog/deportation-and-removal/us-immigration-appeals/eoir-issues-reminder-regarding-fraud-and-abuse-prevention-program
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