California Attorney General Warns Undocumented Immigrants Against Driver’s License Scams

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— California Attorney General Kamala Harris is issuing a warning to undocumented immigrants to beware of scams that offer help to obtain a driver’s license or obtain legal status under President Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA).

The applications for legal status under the president’s new immigration program aren’t even available yet, but Jeff Tsai, the special assistant attorney general, said scam artists are likely already sharpening their tools to bilk undocumented immigrants out of their money.

“The first thing they should look out for is, ‘Is the person offering me help also asking me for money?’ That usually a big-red flag,” Tsai said.

The immigration changes are just one new opportunity for scammers there’s also Assembly Bill 60 which goes into effect in January and allows undocumented immigrants to get a California driver’s license.

Tsai said anyone who claims that they can do that for you is lying.

“In order to obtain a driver’s license an immigrant has to do that himself or herself. No one can apply for you,” he said.

Attorney General Harris is warning immigrants to be vigilant, guard your personal information and your wallet and if you need help, ask a non-profit immigrant legal aid organization for assistance.