Tampa, Florida – Catholic Charities of Tampa Bay has reported a surge in immigration scams targeting local immigrant communities, with more than 20 cases identified in recent weeks. Scammers are posing as representatives of Catholic Charities and other trusted organizations, offering purported legal assistance via social media and messaging apps.
The fraudulent schemes typically involve promises of expedited and secure immigration processes, preying on the vulnerability of individuals seeking to navigate the complex U.S. Immigration system. José Fernandez, an immigration counselor with Catholic Charities in Tampa, described the situation as particularly concerning for those already facing precarious legal status. “The majority are people looking for a legal path, they are desperate, they are afraid, and they expose themselves to fraud because they want a quick solution,” Fernandez said.
According to Catholic Charities, scammers are falsely claiming affiliation with both Catholic Charities of Tampa Bay and Catholic Charities USA, a national network of charitable organizations affiliated with the Catholic Church. This tactic is designed to instill trust in potential victims. Fernandez emphasized the organization’s efforts to distance itself from these fraudulent activities. “They tell them it’s coming from Catholic Charities… and I tell them, that’s not us. That’s fraud,” he stated.
Catholic Charities USA provides a range of social services, including accredited immigration legal services, through local agencies across the country. These services encompass assistance with applications for residency, work permits, citizenship, and family reunification, all provided by counselors and representatives authorized by the federal government. The organization’s reputation for legitimate and professional guidance has unfortunately made it a target for scammers.
The scammers primarily utilize digital platforms, particularly Facebook and direct messaging, to initiate contact with potential victims. They often engage in preliminary inquiries before offering immigration services. In some instances, they even present fabricated images of purported work permits or permanent residency cards as proof of their legitimacy. Catholic Charities warns that these images may be generated or manipulated using artificial intelligence to appear authentic.
Victims have reportedly lost thousands of dollars to these scams, believing they were paying for legitimate legal services. Manuel, an undocumented resident of the U.S. For over 20 years, shared his experience with Spectrum Bay News 9, describing how he believed he was communicating with Catholic Charities through Facebook, only to discover he was being asked to send deposits to multiple individuals. His story is representative of the growing number of cases reported to the organization.
In response to the escalating number of reports, Catholic Charities in Tampa is urging the community to conduct all immigration-related transactions in person and directly with recognized organizations. They advise against trusting messages, phone calls, or social media contacts promising immediate solutions and emphasize the importance of verifying the identity of anyone offering legal services. The organization is also encouraging potential victims of fraud to report the incidents and refrain from sharing personal information or documents through digital platforms without confirming the authenticity of the contact.
Catholic Charities’ Tampa office is located at 2021 E. Busch Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, and can be reached at (813) 631-4370. The organization provides affordable immigration services regardless of race, religion, sex, or creed, and its fees are approved by the Board of Immigration Appeals.
