Scammers Impersonate Catholic Charities in North Carolina Immigration Fraud Scheme

Manhattan DA criticizes Meta for failing to protect users from online scams targeting vulnerable immigrant communities

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:22pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled, official-looking document with the Catholic Charities logo, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the deceptive tactics used in this scam.A scam targeting vulnerable immigrant communities in North Carolina exploits the trusted name of Catholic Charities, exposing the need for greater online safety protections.Today in Raleigh

Criminals are impersonating Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh on Facebook and WhatsApp, promising pro bono immigration legal services to defraud immigrants. The scammers pressure victims into paying fees and then disappear with the money, leaving victims in debt and without legitimate legal representation. Catholic Charities has lost thousands of dollars due to the scam and is urging the community to be vigilant.

Why it matters

This scam exploits the trust of vulnerable immigrant communities who are often unfamiliar with the legal system and fearful of deportation. The financial impact can be devastating, leaving victims in debt. It also undermines the legitimate work of organizations like Catholic Charities that provide critical legal services to immigrants.

The details

Scammers have created fake Facebook pages and WhatsApp accounts posing as Catholic Charities, using official logos, real staff names, and documents that closely resemble authentic paperwork. They then move conversations to WhatsApp, where they pretend to be immigration attorneys and threaten victims with deportation or other legal consequences unless they pay quickly through hard-to-trace payment platforms like Venmo or Cash App.

  • The scam has been ongoing in North Carolina since at least early 2026.

The players

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh

A non-profit organization that provides immigration legal services and other assistance to the immigrant community in North Carolina.

Alvin Bragg

The Manhattan District Attorney who has publicly criticized Meta, the parent company of Facebook and WhatsApp, for failing to adequately protect users from online scams.

Consuelo Kwee

The director of immigration legal services for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh.

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What they’re saying

“This is very hurtful. It's very sad to hear the stories of these people, and it also makes us very angry because our community feels so vulnerable.”

— Consuelo Kwee, Director of Immigration Legal Services, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh

“If someone believes they have been a victim of a scam, they should contact local authorities and reach out directly to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh. It's also important to communicate with neighbors and community members so others are aware this is happening.”

— Consuelo Kwee, Director of Immigration Legal Services, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh

What’s next

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh is urging anyone seeking immigration assistance to verify services directly through its official website or office before sharing personal information or money.

The takeaway

This scam highlights the vulnerabilities of immigrant communities and the need for greater online safety protections. It also underscores the importance of organizations like Catholic Charities that provide trusted, legitimate legal services to those in need.