(EAST BAY) Catholic Charities East Bay is warning the public about a surge in immigration scams that exploded this summer, with fraudsters impersonating staff on WhatsApp and social media and demanding money for fake services. In media interviews on August 25, 2025, CEO Mario Alioto and Managing Attorney Ashley Byers-Cosgrove said the agency will never ask for payment through messaging apps, social media, or unsolicited phone calls.
“If you are contacted by someone claiming to be Catholic Charities and asking for payment, it is a scam,” the nonprofit posted in an August 23 notice on its website.
What’s happening and why it’s dangerous
The alerts follow weeks of complaints from worried families across the East Bay. Many reported strangers approaching them on WhatsApp promising faster work permits, special appointments, or “priority enrollment” in programs that don’t exist.
Similar schemes are appearing nationally. Catholic Charities USA issued a summer alert about impostors charging illegal fees and preying on confusion during policy changes.
Victims face more than lost money. Fake filings or missed deadlines can wreck a case and damage a person’s future in the United States. Alioto and Byers-Cosgrove stressed people should slow down, verify every message, and call the agency directly before paying anyone who claims to “speed things up.”
Scam impacts: lost savings, missed filing windows, damaged immigration cases, increased stress, and potential risk to status.
Escalating fraud tactics on WhatsApp and social media
The newest twist targets people searching for help online. Scammers:
- Copy the Catholic Charities East Bay name and logo.
- Push urgent pitches via WhatsApp, Facebook, or direct messages: “Pay now to lock in your spot” or “Send a deposit for a guaranteed approval.”
- Claim fake “enrollment” windows or pose as “notarios” or “immigration counselors.”
Important clarification: in the United States, a notario is not a lawyer. Only licensed attorneys or Department of Justice–accredited representatives can give legal advice.
Catholic Charities East Bay says:
- All its legal services are provided by DOJ-accredited staff and licensed immigration attorneys.
- The agency does not represent clients in removal proceedings in court.
- It does not use WhatsApp for billing, and it does not cold-call or DM people to request payment. Any such request is a red flag.
Official contact channels and locations
The nonprofit’s message is simple: use only official channels and never send money to unknown accounts. Appointments must be booked through the agency’s main office lines or the official website.
Service locations and central scheduling site:
- Oakland: 433 Jefferson Street, Oakland, CA 94607 — (510) 768-3100
- Richmond: 217 Harbour Way, Richmond, CA 94804 — (510) 234-5110
- Concord: 2120 Diamond Blvd, Suite 220, Concord, CA 94520 — (925) 825-3099
- Website: https://www.cceb.org
Fees, waivers, and examples
Catholic Charities East Bay publishes a fee schedule and offers waivers based on income. The current schedule, updated May 16, 2025, applies to new clients and to current clients seeking added services after that date.
- Standard phone consultation: $60 (may be waived)
- DACA renewal (new clients): $360
- Waiver of Inadmissibility: $2,200
- Fee waivers: available for households under 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (subject to review)
The organization states no one is turned away for inability to pay.
How scams typically work (patterns)
Analysis by VisaVerge.com and community nonprofits shows a common pattern:
- An urgent request to pay through nontraditional channels (WhatsApp, social media, gift cards).
- Lofty claims that cannot be confirmed through official offices.
- Pressure to decide quickly, creating a false sense of speed.
Catholic Charities East Bay’s August alerts match these warning signs—especially the use of WhatsApp to create urgency.
How to verify help and report fraud
If you suspect a scam, the organization recommends:
- Save evidence: screenshots, phone numbers, receipts, and usernames used by the fraudsters.
- Verify communications: call official numbers or use email addresses listed on the agency’s website.
- Never pay through WhatsApp, Facebook, or other social media.
- Check credentials: ensure your representative is a licensed attorney or DOJ-accredited.
- Report suspected fraud to Catholic Charities East Bay immediately via (510) 768-3100 or the website.
Catholic Charities East Bay also offers ongoing “Know Your Rights” sessions and legal orientations to help families spot false promises and choose trusted help.
For background on common scam tactics and where to get help, see the U.S. government’s plain-language resource: https://www.uscis.gov/avoid-scams
Real human costs and practical advice
The human toll is real:
- Parents skip rent to send hundreds of dollars after hearing there’s a limited-time slot for a work permit.
- Students pay fees for cases that don’t exist.
- Families lose savings and sometimes miss filing windows while waiting for illegitimate services.
Catholic Charities East Bay recommends the safest approach:
- Book a consultation through official channels.
- Receive clear written receipts.
- Keep all documents and records of communication.
- If pressured to pay quickly or asked to use gift cards/wire transfers, stop and verify.
- If someone claims to be from Catholic Charities but refuses to speak through listed office numbers, assume it’s a scam.
Community response and next steps
Catholic Charities USA is coordinating national education and outreach, sharing materials with parishes, schools, and community centers. Locally, Catholic Charities East Bay plans to expand public talks and partnerships to prevent fraud.
Technology helps scammers reach people — but it also gives families tools to verify. A quick call to (510) 768-3100 or a visit to https://www.cceb.org can settle doubts in minutes.
If you’ve lost money, act fast:
- Contact Catholic Charities East Bay for guidance.
- Bring proof of payments and any contact records.
- The sooner you connect with a trusted legal team, the better your chances of protecting your case and preventing further losses.
