GREEN BAY, WI – (WGBW) – The Green Bay Police Department warns the Latino community of an immigration scam. They report it has already affected almost a dozen people and cost them tens of thousands of dollars. 

Police say scammers ask victims, mainly from the Latino community, to make a significant cash payment or wire transfer to obtain U.S. citizenship for themselves or others. The scammers will say they have relationships with someone who works in immigration services and can speed up the process. 

Green Bay Police ask any residents who may have been in contact with someone claiming to help with immigration to reach out at (920) 448-3200. When calling, reference cases #24-218444 and #24-218520. They also say if you live outside of Green Bay, but may have been contacted by scammers, to call your local law enforcement agency.

The press release from the Green Bay Police Department is below.

Press Release

Green Bay Police Department Warns Latino Community of Immigration Scam

GREEN BAY, WI – The Green Bay Police Department (GBPD) is warning the Latino community of an immigration scam that has cost nearly a dozen people tens of thousands of dollars.

This alert comes as the victims reported following instructions to make a significant cash payment or wire transfer to obtain U.S. Citizenship for themselves or others and assist with other legal matters.

The scammers have used claims that they have relationships with someone who works in immigration services and can speed up the process of legal paperwork or other documents.

“If anybody promises you, they can speed up your immigration status, do not do it. It is a scam. We ask that you contact your local law enforcement immediately. We do not want anyone else to lose money. We have reason to believe that there are more victims, and we want them to feel comfortable coming forward, and that is why we are making our community aware of these reports. To help prevent being scammed, be suspicious of the intentions of others. Scammers are often pushy. They will try to catch their victims off-guard with a sense of urgency,” said Lieutenant Jena Luberda, Green Bay Police Department.

No further details are available for release about these investigations at this time; however, we highly encourage Green Bay residents who may have been in contact with someone claiming to help with immigration to reach out to us immediately with as much information as possible, including:

• Name
• Physical Description
• Contact Information i.e. Phone Number, Email Address, Mailing Address
• Text Messages, Voicemails, Emails
• Vehicle Description and/or License Plate Information
• Photos or Surveillance Images or Video from Doorbell or Security Cameras
• Documents

Please call Green Bay Police at (920) 448-3200 and reference cases #24-218444 and #24-218520. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (920) 432-STOP (7867). You may also submit a tip online at www.432stop.com, or utilize the “P3 Tips” app.

If you live outside of Green Bay and may have been contacted by alleged scammers, please do not hesitate to call the law enforcement agency in your jurisdiction for assistance.