Crooks approach new immigrants in town by claiming they are working for non-profit organizations that host ESL classes (English as a Second Language).

After they get the victims’ personal information, the scammers call them and inform them that they didn’t qualify for the free classes and now have to pay $200, because “they are already registered”.

If the newcomers refuse to do that, the scammers threaten them with legal actions, which the newcomers, not knowing the system, are frightened by. To be more convincing, a few days later the scammers get their partners to call the victims, posing as attorneys setting court dates.

How to avoid: these people are committing an offence. If this happens to you, you can get free advice from organizations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau. If you are threatened with legal action, just check with the police, who will give you free advice and will be really interested in these fraudsters.