ALERT: Immigration Scam Warning
Catholic Multicultural Center - A program of Catholic Charities of Madison
Immigration Scam Alert: Protect Yourself
Catholic Charities agencies across the United States, including Catholic Charities of Madison, are alerting our community to ongoing scams targeting individuals seeking immigration legal services.
Scammers are falsely claiming to represent Catholic Charities or affiliated programs. These individuals may contact you through social media, text messages, email, or messaging apps and offer immigration assistance or enrollment in special programs.
These offers are not legitimate.
How the Scam Works
Scammers may:
- Claim to work for Catholic Charities or use our name and logo
- Promise immigration benefits, legal help, or faster processing
- Ask for personal or confidential information
- Request payment, often through apps like Zelle, Venmo, or similar services
These individuals are not connected to Catholic Charities.
How to Protect Yourself
- Do not respond to unexpected messages offering immigration help
- Do not share personal information or documents
- Do not send money through digital payment apps or gift cards
- Always verify services directly with our organization
Verify Legitimate Services
If you have questions about immigration services:
- Contact the Catholic Multicultural Center (CMC) or Catholic Charities of Madison directly using the phone number or email listed on our official website
- Visit our offices in person when possible
- Do not rely on contact information sent through unsolicited messages
Report a Scam
If you believe you have been contacted by a scammer:
- Do not engage further
- Save any messages or documentation
- Contact Catholic Charities of Madison to report the incident
You can also access additional resources through the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC).
Our Commitment
Catholic Charities of Madison and the Catholic Multicultural Center are committed to providing trusted, ethical, and compassionate services. We do not contact individuals unexpectedly to request payment or personal information.
When in doubt, contact us directly—we are here to help.