Texts between alleged scammer and reporter about Humanitarian Parole cases he would research outside of USCIS for a fee.

Scams for the humanitarian parole process began on social media within days of the I-134A humanitarian program launching in January 2023. While numerous sites and apps offer conversation and support amongst sponsors and beneficiaries, it’s not uncommon to see group users offering dubious advice or services with comments or challenges made by other users. 

In one example, scammers illegally charged hundreds of U.S. dollars to send messages to The Haitian Times thinking the media outlet would find a sponsor to help Haitian beneficiaries immigrate to the United States. 

Overview:

Scammers on Facebook appear to be offering false help to get faster resolution from US immigration, for fees in the $100s. Recognize the red red flags to avoid falling for the fraud.

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J.O. Haselhoef is the author of “Give & Take: Doing Our Damnedest NOT to be Another Charity in Haiti.” She co-founded "Yonn Ede Lot" (One Helping Another), a nonprofit that partnered with volunteer groups in La Montagne ("Lamontay"), Haiti from 2007-2013. She is a 2022 Fellow for the Columbia School of Journalism's Age Boom Academy. She writes and lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.