Scammers Have Been Targeting NYS Immigrants Since Election, AG Says
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is warning immigrants in the state that scammers have been coming out of the woodwork since the election.
As WCBS 880's Alex Silverman reported, the scammers are allegedly preying on the fears of immigrants who worry they could be deported.
"New York immigrant communities are scared, and the fear is a very rational one," said Steven Choi of the New York Immigrant Coalition, "and frightened, desperate people are the number one target of scammers."
Schneiderman said there has bene a massive spike in scams targeting immigrants by email and phone. In some cases, a real government number appears on the caller ID.
"If you get a call like this, hang up immediately and report it to us," Schneiderman said.
He emphasized that no government agency will demand money or papers or threaten to deport anyone by phone or email.