The New York Attorney General's Office announced that a Yonkers woman will pay nearly $10,000 for misleading and threatening immigrants.
An investigation found Jacquelin Mercado falsely used the title “attorney at law” and provided legal advice to immigrants between June 2020 and July 2022, despite not being a licensed attorney, the AG's office said.
Mercado also allegedly intimidated at least one customer by threatening to report them to immigration authorities.
Under the agreement with the AG's office, Mercado must pay restitution to four customers in Westchester County and New York City. She also has to post signs stating she is not an attorney and update contracts to make clear she cannot provide legal advice.
The AG’s office advises anyone who feels they have been the victim of fraud to file a complaint.