On October 1, 2026, an investigation reported identifying 51 TikTok, Facebook and Instagram profiles using real lawyers’ names and likenesses to promote purported legal services, mostly related to U.S. immigration. It described AI-manipulated videos, promises about immigration outcomes and requests to continue conversations on WhatsApp.
Investigation reports 51 profiles using lawyers’ identities
More than 84% of the 51 profiles presented themselves as immigration specialists, and 29 were associated with immigration lawyer Ángel Leal. The profiles promoted purported legal help, but the reported count does not mean every profile completed a scam or shared the same operator.
Among 51 viral posts examined, 35 had no AI label and had accumulated more than 6.3 million views. The other 16 had some indication of AI, but only one was labeled by its creator.
AI-manipulated videos made immigration promises
The investigation described videos altered to make real lawyers appear to say things they had not said. One impersonating profile claimed that someone over 40 who had held permanent residence for more than five years could obtain citizenship without the English test. USCIS lists different exceptions: the 50/20 rule applies to people aged 50 or older who have been lawful permanent residents for 20 years; the 55/15 rule applies to people aged 55 or older with 15 years as lawful permanent residents. Both exceptions retain the civics test.
A separate profile offered permanent residence for $2,000 to people who had lived in the United States for more than two years and had no criminal record. A U.S. government Instagram post rejected that claim.
The profiles often moved prospective clients away from social platforms and into WhatsApp conversations, where they could request money and personal information directly.
Three of six test contacts requested documents and $600
In three of six test contacts, respondents claimed to be Ángel Leal or his office. They requested images of both sides of a residence document, a mailing address and $600 for a purported service.
A separate case involved a reported $4,800 loss
Victor Hernandez, a Bronx resident, said he lost $4,800 after an initial $1,500 payment to people he believed were helping him seek citizenship. His case is separate from the six test contacts.
What USCIS says about immigration representation
USCIS says applicants can file forms without a representative. People who choose representation should use an attorney or an accredited representative working for a Department of Justice-recognized organization, subject to limited supervised exceptions. USCIS also flags social-media impersonation and promises of quick immigration benefits as warning signs.
