arts
South Florida immigration attorney says AI scammers are using his identity to target immigrants
By Ivan Taylor at CBS4 Miami
· June 9, 2026
· 3 min read
A South Florida immigration attorney says criminals are using artificial intelligence to steal his identity and scam vulnerable immigrants out of thousands of dollars. Angel Leal, who has practiced immigration law in South Florida for more than 30 years, says the problem has escalated dramatically i
Key takeaway Angel Leal, who has practiced immigration law in South Florida for more than 30 years, says the problem has escalated dramatically in recent months.
Why this matters in The Miami
The scam targeting immigrants in South Florida using AI-generated images and videos of a local immigration attorney has significant implications for the region's large Latin American and Caribbean communities. Many residents in neighborhoods like Little Havana and Wynwood may be particularly vulnerable to these scams, given their cultural and linguistic ties to countries where immigration services are often in high demand. The fact that scammers are able to create convincing fake videos and social media profiles using AI technology raises concerns about the potential for further exploitation of these communities. As the situation continues to unfold, it will be crucial for local authorities, including the Miami Police Department and Miami-Dade Police, to work closely with the affected communities to raise awareness about these scams and prevent further financial losses. The removal of nearly 6,500 fake social media profiles is a step in the right direction, but ongoing vigilance will be necessary to protect the region's immigrant populations.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: June 9, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A South Florida immigration attorney says criminals are using artificial intelligence to steal his identity and scam vulnerable immigrants out of thousands of dollars. Angel Leal, who has practiced immigration law in South Florida for more than 30 years, says the problem has escalated dramatically i
When was this published? This article was first published on June 9, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ivan Taylor at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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