AG settles with Yonkers woman falsely claiming to be a lawyer
New York Attorney General Letitia James has cracked down on a Yonkers woman who fraudulently claimed she was a licensed attorney and offered immigration assistance and legal advice to immigrants. According to James, Jacqueline Mercado worked out of two addresses in Yonkers. According to James, a settlement has been reached in which Mercado has agreed to stop falsely advertising her services, fully comply with the law and make restitution of nearly $10,000 to four customers in Westchester and New York City.
“New Americans starting their lives in this country often need help navigating our immigration system,” James said. “Jacqueline Mercado took advantage of that fact and used her position to intimidate and scam immigrants who relied on her for assistance and support.”
An investigation by James’ office found that Mercado had violated numerous provisions of New York”™s Immigrant Assistance Service Enforcement Act. From at least June 2020 to July 2022, Mercado fraudulently posed as a lawyer and used the title “attorney at law” and gave legal advice even though she was not licensed to practice law in the U. S., according to James’ office. The investigation also found that she had threatened to report at least one customer to immigration authorities and threatened to undermine their efforts to secure lawful immigration status.
As a result of the agreement announced Aug. 23, Mercado must immediately stop all false advertising, explicitly state in any advertisements that she is not a licensed attorney, and pay restitution to four different customers totaling $9,946.48. She is required to update her contracts to include language informing customers that she is not an attorney and cannot offer legal advice, and take steps to make sure customers seeking refunds or compensation for damages will be paid.
In addition, Mercado must fully comply with all laws governing immigrant assistance service providers, including posting the necessary signs informing customers of their rights and obtaining the necessary financial surety to make sure customers seeking refunds or compensation for damages will be paid.
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said of the settlement, “We pride ourselves on welcoming those seeking refuge and the American dream here. But when bad actors prey on these individuals for their own self-gain, their fraudulent acts must have direct punitive consequences. I applaud Attorney General James for taking swift action in this case.”
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said that the settlement “serves as a reminder that fraudulent practices and misrepresentation will not be tolerated, and that New York’s immigrant protection laws will be enforced to ensure the safety and well-being of all immigrants.”