Following the recent arrest of a San Jose man posing as an
immigration attorney, members of the Consumer Protection Unit at
the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office are warning South
County immigrants and their relatives to be on the lookout.
GILROY – Following the recent arrest of a San Jose man posing as an immigration attorney, members of the Consumer Protection Unit at the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office are warning South County immigrants and their relatives to be on the lookout.
Carlos Fernandez, 40, was arrested last week on six felony counts of grand theft involving more than eight victims. Fernandez offered to perform immigration services for Spanish-speaking immigrants he met at social events and soccer events in the San Jose area, eventually collecting more than $18,000 for services he never provided.
Although all of Fernandez’s victims were from San Jose, authorities warn that others like him might be preying on South County immigrants.
“This is something all immigrants need to be aware of,” said Martha J. Donohoe, a deputy district attorney with the county’s Consumer Protection Unit. “Written contracts and receipts should be required with any transaction.”
Fernandez defrauded his victims by falsely claiming he would assist them in securing legal immigration for themselves and their family members. Fernandez told the victims he had contacts with the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Social Security Administration, the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Contractors State License Board, according to the Consumer Protection Unit.
Fernandez was caught when several of his victims organized and complained to the Consumer Protection Unit. Investigators then learned that Fernandez is not an attorney and was not bonded as an immigration consultant.
Fernandez faces a maximum of six years in prison for his alleged crimes.
Anybody with information on Fernandez or any other immigration consultant can call the county District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Unit at (408) 792-2571 or Perez at (408) 792-2745.
