At a time when many people are facing dangerous and uncertain circumstances, it is deeply troubling that others are exploiting fear for financial gain. Despite having recently addressed concerns regarding fraudulent immigration lawyers, the scale and sophistication of these schemes have grown significantly, making them worth mentioning once again.
Many scams originate on social media and subsequently move to WhatsApp. One of the most widespread schemes involves individuals falsely claiming to represent Catholic Charities. These scammers use the Catholic Charities logo, letterhead, and staff members' signatures to appear legitimate. They request payment via digital platforms such as Venmo or Zelle. Catholic Charities is actively working to put a stop to these schemes, but new ones are constantly emerging. Anyone who receives such a communication should independently contact their local Catholic Charities office before sharing personal information or sending money.
Other scammers pose as immigration lawyers, using fake phone numbers and altered images. Legitimate lawyers do not solicit clients via social media or WhatsApp. Always verify credentials through trusted sources.
Another issue to address concerns government correspondence. The government is attempting to apply certain penalties retroactively—actions that are currently being challenged as unlawful. If you receive such a notification, seek advice from a reliable legal source to determine whether a letter of opposition is appropriate for your situation. Watch the video for more information.