This is Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week, and we want you to be aware of tax scams! Today’s lesson: tax preparers.

If a tax preparer offers to help you prepare your immigration forms, be careful. People who prepare tax returns may not be authorized to help you with immigration forms.

The only people who can give advice on immigration law are licensed attorneys and representatives accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals. They can:

• Explain your immigration options;
• Advise you which forms to submit; and
• Communicate with USCIS about your case.

Some people say they are immigration experts and have special connections with USCIS to get your case through quickly. This is a common scam. You need to be careful who you go to for help.

Visit uscis.gov/avoidscams or uscis.gov/eviteestafas to learn how to recognize and avoid immigration scams and find authorized legal services.

Sources: USCIS