A scammer pretended to be a lawyer in order to swindle money from immigrants in Northern Virginia

A person pretending to be a lawyer scammed immigrants in Northern Virginia out of thousands of dollars, and when the victims confronted her, she reportedly threatened to report them to immigration authorities, according to prosecutors. In February, Jasmine Moawad admitted guilt to one felony charge of obtaining money through deception. Victims shared their experiences with a Fairfax County judge on Monday, who will determine the necessary restitution in the case. They disclosed the amounts they had paid Moawad to act as their representative in various legal matters, such as child custody and real estate concerns. One woman recounted an incident where Moawad visited her residence and insisted on receiving $50,000 on behalf of a client. He threatened to have her husband deported if she refused to make the payment. Steve Descano, the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County, expressed his desire for the collaboration between the police and his office to convey a strong message to all immigrants that criminal acts targeting them will be treated with utmost seriousness. Next month, Moawad will appear in court again to receive her sentence and learn how much the judge has ordered her to repay. She can spend one to ten years behind bars.