The regulator has received several complaints from people who have paid thousands of euros for virtually useless advice on visas, work permits and deportations, the Irish Independent reports.

Chief executive Brian Doherty said: “What we have seen are instances where a firm uses social media to advertise legal services in relation to immigration, promises successful resolutions to issues and in some instances purports to be a legal practitioner.

“The complainants have reported paying up to €3,000 for assistance and then no real assistance is provided.”

The legal regulator has put posers in local authority buildings, emergency accommodation and Direct Provision centres to warn people to check the roll of practising barristers and the roll of practising solicitors.

The Law Society of Ireland earlier this year issued a warning about fake law firms operating under the names Immigration Solicitors Dublin and Immigration Lawyer Cork.