Alert: Scammers use Catholic Charities name to target those seeking immigration legal services

Scammers, claiming to represent Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) or Catholic Charities agencies, are asking victims to provide personal information and collecting fees to “enroll” in non-existent immigration legal programs. Often, a scammer reaches out via email, messaging or social media platforms, offering immigration assistance. Scammers claim they are from Catholic Charities and ask for private and personal information. They may reference some type of immigration case or process. Payments are requested over Zelle or other digital payment solutions.

If you encounter this scam or suspect that you have been solicited by a scammer, do not respond, provide information, or send money! Please take the following steps:

• Contact your bank immediately if you suspect you made a fraudulent payment.
• Report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
• Alert us to the incident by emailing alert@catholiccharitiesusa.org with your full name and a description of the incident. Alternately, you may submit a report via our online reporting tool.
• Contact your local Catholic Charities agency to inquire about legitimate immigration legal services they may offer.

The Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC) offers additional resources on identifying and preventing immigration services fraud.