Florida woman says she lost $3.5K trying to bring brother from Jamaica to US — how to spot immigration scams

A year later, Baugh-Walker’s brother remains in Jamaica. She’s out $3,500, and believes she was taken for a ride.

How events unfolded

Baugh-Walker sent one payment to Carters Hospitality Services LLC and two payments directly to someone named Marsha Williams-Herman, according to Channel 9. The broadcaster, citing state records, reports Carters Hospitality is registered to Williams-Herman and another person.

“From my understanding, Marsha was the one who was responsible for the program,” Baugh-Walker said.

After the payments were made, Channel 9 says Baugh-Walker’s brother met with people in Jamaica and handed over his passport, but he hasn’t heard anything since. When Baugh-Walker tried recovering her money, she received messages claiming the funds had been passed to someone else.

Channel 9 reports it tracked down Williams-Herman at the address of a different business registered in her name. She initially denied her identity before admitting who she was and that she owned Carters Hospitality. She also claimed she didn't remember receiving Baugh-Walker's money and denied running a scam.

Who can legally help and warning signs

Federal law is straightforward about who can provide immigration legal services. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, only two categories of people are authorized:

Licensed attorneys: Lawyers admitted to practice in any U.S. state, territory or the District of Columbia who are in good standing and not disbarred.