Business ProfileforACN & Associates LL C
Current Alerts For This Business
The following describes a pending government action that has been formally brought by a government agency but has not yet been resolved. We are providing a summary of the governments allegations, which have not yet been proven.
On September 28, 2022, in the State of Washington King County Superior Court, the State of Washington filed a Complaint for Injunctive and Other Relief under the Consumer Protection Act, and the Immigration Services Fraud Prevention Act against ACN & Associates, LLC, a Washington limited liability company; and Ana Caroline Pinto Do Nascimento, individually.
Ana Caroline Pinto do Nascimento, who owned ACN & Associates, LLC, made deceptive promises to help Portuguese-speaking immigrants from Brazil with legal assistance, then later abandoning them in courtrooms after charging thousands of dollars.
Nascimento is not a licensed attorney in Washington state, nor does she have an educational background in the law. According to consumer complaints, Nascimento told families she would represent them in immigration courts, but never appeared in any courts because she is not an attorney. When families asked for their money back, Nascimento refused or delayed.
In July, Judge Galvan ruled that Nascimento, and her business violated the Immigration Services Fraud Prevention Act because she is not a licensed attorney in Washington state, yet plainly advertised offers for immigration law services. Moreover, she does not have any accreditations to represent individuals or their families in any immigration court. The court also ruled Nascimento, and her business violated the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) by unlawfully marketing and selling legal services in a deceptive manner. Her website once advertised the business as “expertise you can rely on” that offered “immigration law you can understand.”
On September 28, 2023, the court held a one-day trial on remedies.
Judge Galvan ruled that Nascimento must pay full restitution, plus interest, to her victims, plus civil penalties.
Subject to Judge Galvan’s approval, the Attorney General’s Office estimates Nascimento will owe $99,251 in restitution, and $130,000 in civil penalties.
The Attorney General’s Office received nearly a dozen complaints about Nascimento’s conduct. The Attorney General’s Office estimates approximately two dozen Washingtonians sought her assistance for them and their families and most agreed to pay her between a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. According to the lawsuit, she charged up to $6,000 for asylum petitions.
If you believe you have been a victim of immigration services fraud, file a complaint with the Washington State Attorney General’s Office online or call 1-800-551-4636.
At-a-glance
Overview
Business Details
- Location of This Business
- 600 Stewart St Ste 400, Seattle, WA 98101
- BBB File Opened:
- 5/29/2022
- Years in Business:
- 2
- Business Started:
- 2/11/2022
- Business Incorporated:
- 2/11/2022
- Licensing Information:
- This business is in an industry that may require professional licensing, bonding or registration. BBB encourages you to check with the appropriate agency to be certain any requirements are currently being met.
- Type of Entity:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Business Management
- Ms. Ana Nascimento, Registered Agent
- Contact Information
Principal
- Ms. Ana Nascimento, Registered Agent
Customer Contact
- Ms. Ana Nascimento, Registered Agent
Customer Complaints
1 Customer Complaints
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File a ComplaintMost Recent Customer Complaint
06/02/2022
- Complaint Type:
- Service or Repair Issues
- Status:
- Unanswered
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