Facebook to Remove Imposter Accounts Tied to Immigration Scams

Manhattan DA's office says Meta has pledged to take action after repeated requests to remove false profiles were declined.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:58am

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An extreme close-up of a shattered smartphone screen reflecting a faint blue light, conceptually illustrating the harsh digital landscape where scammers exploit vulnerable populations.A cracked digital window into the world of online scams targeting immigrant communities.NYC Today

The Manhattan District Attorney's office has accused Meta, the parent company of Facebook and WhatsApp, of failing to remove imposter accounts that pose as organizations like Catholic Charities to offer fake immigration services and scam money from unsuspecting victims. Following a phone call between the two parties, Meta has now pledged to remove the imposter accounts.

Why it matters

Scammers frequently target immigrant populations who are perceived as more vulnerable to fraud and in need of legal assistance. These imposter accounts have led to tens of thousands of dollars in fraudulent transfers, highlighting the need for social media platforms to better protect users from criminal activity on their sites.

The details

According to the Manhattan DA's office, scammers create public Facebook accounts that mirror real accounts belonging to pro bono legal services organizations, as well as WhatsApp profiles posing as immigration lawyers associated with those same organizations. They frequently use the names and logos of legitimate organizations to give the appearance of credibility.

  • Last week, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg accused Meta of failing to remove the imposter accounts.
  • This week, Meta pledged to remove the imposter accounts following a phone call between the two parties.

The players

Alvin Bragg

The Manhattan District Attorney who accused Meta of failing to remove imposter accounts tied to immigration scams.

Meta

The parent company of Facebook and WhatsApp, which has now pledged to remove the imposter accounts.

Mark Zuckerberg

The CEO of Meta, to whom Bragg sent a letter demanding the company take action against the imposter accounts.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge social media platforms face in policing their sites for criminal activity, particularly when it targets vulnerable populations like immigrants. It underscores the need for stronger partnerships between tech companies and law enforcement to proactively address these types of scams and protect users.