Immigration lawyers warn: Undocumented vulnerable to scams, fraudulent 'notarios'

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 21: Immigrants rights activists gather to celebrate U.S. President Barack Obama's executive action on immigration policy in Washington Square Park on November 21, 2014 in New York City. Obama announced a plan on Thursday that would ease the threat of deportation for about 4.7 million undocumented immigrants in the United States. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

Since President Obama announced steps toward immigration reform last week, people are wondering what it means for them. Many are seeking professional advice, and now there are concerns about scammers.

It's only been a few days since President Obama announced executive actions for immigration reform, but the scammers are already coming out of the woodwork.

Bogus so-called consultants, often known as "notarios," are already peddling advice to undocumented immigrants on whether they qualify for relief from deportation under the new policy.

Efforts to thwart them are underway, and one group leading the charge is the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Its President-elect, Attorney Victor Nieblas, joined Take Two to talk about their anti-notario efforts.

The AILA is taking steps to warn undocumented immigrants that not everyone will qualify for deferred action under the new guidelines. But, if a person thinks they might qualify, Nieblas suggests "you should go to a community-based organization you trust first," or check the membership record of an immigration lawyer you are considering hiring on your state's Bar Association website.