Menino: Feb. 11 forum to focus on earthquake-related ‘scams’

The city of Boston has organized a community forum for Thursday to address what Mayor Tom Menino calls “potential scams and fraudulent activity” that are targeting Haitians in the aftermath of the Jan. 12 earthquake. The meeting will be held on Thursday, Feb. 11 at 4:30 p.m. at the Haitian Multi-Service Center on Columbia Road in Dorchester.
In a weekly column released by Menino’s office today (Feb. 9), the mayor praises the city for rallying to the needs of the Boston Haitian community, but added, “[T]he work must continue as there are now questions about the often complicated immigration process and unfortunately, some are preying upon such a tragic situation by offering services they cannot provide.”
According to Menino, the forum will include Denis Riordan, Director of the Boston Office of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Emmanuelle Dupiton, Consul of the Consulate of Haiti.
Menino advised people to verify facts about "whether an attorney is licensed or a representative is accredited" to assist in immigration issues to visit the "Don't Be a Victim of Immigration Fraud" and "Finding Legal Advice" links at www.uscis.gov/haitianearthquake.