Defrauding Polish Immigrants

[law-prawnik]

News Release
Richard A. Devine
Cook County State's Attorney
500 Richard J. Daley Center
Chicago, IL 60602
[phone]
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 20, 2001

Man Accused of Defrauding Polish Immigrants

A man accused of misrepresenting himself as an attorney and defrauding people
seeking immigrations services has been named in a lawsuit filed today by the
Cook County State's Attorney's Consumer Fraud Division, Cook County State's
Attorney Richard A. Devine said today.

Named in the suit is Joseph Malski, who does business as Malski and Temida,
The Polish Law Office & Notary, Inc., formerly located at 3151 N. Long Ave.,
in Chicago. Malski is charged with violating the Illinois Consumer Fraud and
Deceptive Business Practices Act and the Illinois Attorney Act. According to
the suit, Malksi charged immigrants fees of up to $6,500 and guaranteed
visas, services that were never rendered.

The complaint also alleges Malski violated the law by failing to provide
written contracts to customers in their native languages, failed to post
required signs and disclaimers and failed to register with the state as an
immigration service provider.

The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction against The Polish Law Office &
Notary, restitution, as well as costs and a civil penalty of $50,000. The
suit also seeks to stop the defendant from misrepresenting himself as an
attorney.

Consumers with questions or complaints about immigration service companies or
any other matter may contact the Cook County State's Attorney's Consumer
Fraud Division at [phone].