For almost a year, a woman from Kenner believed she was paying a genuine immigration lawyer to help her and her two children become legal citizens of the United States.
She trusted him with her savings, hoping for a better and secure future. But according to police, the man she was sending money to was not a lawyer at all. Investigators say he was running a scam and never filed any immigration paperwork on her behalf.
Kenner Woman Allegedly Scammed of $6,020
The victim reportedly paid a total of $6,020 over 11 months. She thought the money was going towards work permits, Social Security numbers, and citizenship applications for her family.
Kenner Police Department Deputy Chief Mark McCormick said the woman was being misled the entire time. She only discovered the truth when she contacted immigration authorities herself to check the status of her case.
Officials told her that no documents had ever been submitted in her name.
Suspect Arrested in Florida
Police identified the suspect as 25-year-old David Arvey Ardila Garcia. He was arrested in Fort Myers, Florida, and later extradited to Louisiana. He is now being held at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna.
Ardila faces several serious charges, including:
- Bank fraud
- Computer fraud
- Felony theft
- False personation
- Illegal transfer of monetary funds
The arrest followed a joint investigation by Kenner police and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
How the Fake Lawyer Built Trust
According to investigators, the victim first connected with Ardila through social media. He promised quick immigration help and legal documents for her family.
To make his story look real, he reportedly used clever tricks during video calls:
- Displayed Department of Homeland Security-style logos behind him
- Had someone stand behind him wearing a tactical vest marked “police”
- Spoke confidently about immigration processes
The woman sent money through wire transfers and Zelle, a popular bank-to-bank payment system. These payments continued for nearly a year.
When she became doubtful, she reached out directly to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). That is when she learned no paperwork had ever been filed.
She then reported the case to Kenner police and handed over payment records and video call recordings. Investigators used this evidence to track down and arrest Ardila.
Rise in Immigration Fraud Cases
Authorities say this is not an isolated incident. Across the United States, immigration fraud cases are increasing. Many scammers pretend to be lawyers or representatives of nonprofit organisations.
Legal groups such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the Federal Trade Commission have warned the public about these scams. The American Bar Association also issued a public alert after noticing a rise in fake immigration service providers.
These fraudsters often:
- Use Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram to find victims
- Advertise fake legal services online
- Create fake offices and websites
- Even stage fake court hearings
In one case in New York, five men were charged for pretending to run an immigration law firm. They allegedly scammed more than $100,000 from victims and even staged fake court sessions with someone acting as a judge.
Officials say scammers target immigrants because they know many families are desperate for legal status and may not fully understand the legal process.
How to Protect Yourself from Immigration Scams
Authorities recommend taking the following steps to avoid becoming a victim:
- Verify that the lawyer is licensed through your state’s official bar association website.
- Avoid making large payments through informal transfer apps without proper documentation.
- Be careful of guarantees or promises of quick citizenship.
- Always ask for official receipts and case numbers.
- Contact local immigration offices directly to confirm paperwork has been filed.
Police say spreading awareness is the best way to stop such fraud.
