Catholic Charities Warns Against WhatsApp Immigration Scam Involving $592 Payment

Catholic Charities has issued a public warning regarding a new immigration scam that exploits the organization’s name to solicit funds from individuals seeking legal assistance. The Rio Grande Valley, Texas, branch office stated on social media that fraudsters are contacting people by pretending to be lawyers or representatives of the institution. These individuals offer alleged immigration services and request payments to advance procedures that do not exist.

The organization emphasized that it does not use WhatsApp to offer immigration services or to coordinate official hearings or appointments. Scammers have been reported to advertise on Facebook and TikTok and initiate contact through WhatsApp, social networks, or email. In some instances, the perpetrators requested personal information and falsely assured victims that an ongoing migration file existed. The goal of the scheme is to build confidence by leveraging the identity of a known organization and exploiting the urgent needs of those attempting to resolve their immigration status.

One reported case, cited by Univision, involved a resident who received contact from a person claiming to be a Catholic Charities lawyer. The individual, who remained anonymous, was told that his file had been accepted by immigration to present a “ten-year motion.” He was scheduled to receive a video call presented as a hearing before a migration official. The caller instructed him to pay $592 to open his application.

The resident made the initial payment via a money order. Following this transaction, the scammers demanded additional payments. The repeated requests led the resident to suspect fraud. Despite his suspicions, he participated in the video call to record the interaction and gather evidence for a complaint. During the call, the person on screen claimed to be an immigration agent and assured the victim that approval documents would be shown.

Catholic Charities advised the public to verify any management or service directly with their offices before delivering documents, personal data, or money. The organization noted that legitimate communication occurs via phone numbers or in-person visits to local offices. For the Rio Grande Valley headquarters, the organization provided the contact number (956) 702-4088 for reporting suspicious messages.

The Yolo-Solano, California, headquarters also provided a contact number for the Fairfield area, listed as (707) 644-8909, though the source text was truncated. The organization’s guidance aligns with the principle of guarding against deception and upholding integrity in institutional dealings. As Micah 6:8 calls for justice and humility, protecting vulnerable individuals from financial exploitation reflects a commitment to truth and care for the neighbor.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)