AI-generated lawyer impersonates real attorney to scam immigrants
Scammers used AI-generated deepfake videos impersonating a real Miami immigration attorney to defraud a Bronx legal resident of $4,820. The victim was promised citizenship without taking required exams and was asked to provide sensitive documents and make repeated payments through Zelle.
What happened
Scammers used artificial intelligence to create deepfake videos impersonating Miami immigration attorney Angel Leal in social media advertisements. Victor Hernandez, a legal U.S. resident from the Bronx, responded to an ad promising citizenship without taking the official naturalization exam for $1,500.
Hernandez was repeatedly asked for additional documents and payments through Zelle. He provided copies of his Social Security card, permanent resident card, and other personal documents, ultimately paying $4,820 over the course of the scheme.
Reported impact
Hernandez fell behind on rent and owed two months of electricity payments after spending his money on the supposed immigration services. Leal stated he first noticed the problem in fall 2025 and believes AI-generated videos of him have been used to scam people across the country.
Index analysis
The scam targeted vulnerable immigrants seeking citizenship by exploiting their trust in legal professionals and the promise of avoiding mandatory English and civics examinations. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services confirmed that attorneys cannot eliminate legal requirements regardless of client payment.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.