Montgomery County consumer protection warns of immigration-related scams, offers anonymous reporting line

Lorena Bailey, an investigator with Montgomery County’s Office of Consumer Protection, told listeners the office sees common scam patterns that prey on fear: callers or messages that create urgency, threats of arrest or demands for unusual payment methods such as gift cards or cash apps.

"Cuando dicen, oh, es el último día para esto o si no hace esto, lo pueden venir a a poner en cárcel..." Bailey said, describing the urgency tactic. She warned consumers to verify an adviser’s credentials and to avoid advance payments when unsure; she gave an anonymous reporting line, 240-777-3681, for people who are reluctant to identify themselves.

Bailey advised victims to stop communicating with suspected scammers, to stop sending money and to contact the consumer office quickly because refunds after app-based transfers are difficult. The office also offers community education in Spanish and can help verify whether someone claiming to be an immigration attorney is licensed.

Why it matters: Scams that pose as immigration or legal services can have large financial consequences. The county’s consumer office provides phone-based, Spanish-language investigative support and referrals to trusted agencies such as We Are Casa.

Next steps: Bailey invited community groups to request education sessions and asked anyone suspecting fraud to call the anonymous line or the consumer-protection number for assistance.