US EditionFake Lawyers Steal 'Tens of Thousands' From Facebook, WhatsApp Users: DA
Bragg says the scams have led to tens of thousands of dollars in fraudulent transfers and wants Meta to let law enforcement report suspect accounts.
- On Wednesday, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg criticized Meta for failing to remove imposter Facebook and WhatsApp accounts that have "led to tens of thousands of dollars of fraudulent transfers."
- Scammers frequently pose as legitimate organizations like Catholic Charities to exploit vulnerable immigrant populations, prompting Bragg to demand Meta take proactive steps after removal requests were declined.
- In an interview with ABC News, Bragg warned users that virtual-only meetings and missing business addresses are red flags, with Catholic Charities chapters in Trenton, Houston, and Baltimore posting warnings.
- Meta stated it prohibits identity misrepresentation but acknowledged bad actors constantly evolve tactics; the company is investing in new technology and partnerships to improve detection systems.
- Bragg's pressure follows recent legal setbacks for Meta, including a $375 million civil judgment in New Mexico for failing to police child predators and a Los Angeles jury verdict on social media addiction.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Fake lawyers steal 'tens of thousands' from Facebook, WhatsApp users: DA
NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) -- Social media users are warned to beware of imposter lawyers offering fake immigration legal services and stealing money from unsuspecting victims, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. The fake attorneys on Facebook and WhatsApp pose as lawyers working for pro bono legal organizations and offer immigration services, Bragg said [...]
Facebook, WhatsApp should remove accounts that defraud users, Manhattan DA says
Alvin Bragg, Manhattan district attorney, speaks during the National Action Network (NAN) 35th Anniversary Convention in New York, April 8, 2026. (Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Images) (NEW YORK) — Meta is failing to remove imposter accounts from its Facebook and WhatsApp platforms that “have led to tens of thousands of dollars of fraudulent transfers” in a growing scam across the country, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Brag…
Manhattan prosecutor Alvin L. Bragg Jr. raised alarms about a worrying rise in scams targeting immigrants in New York and other parts of the United States, perpetrated via Meta platforms, such as Facebook and WhatsApp. According to a statement issued by the prosecutor’s office, criminals are creating accounts [...] Manhattan’s prosecution entry demands Meta to stop scams against immigrants on Facebook and WhatsApp was first published on Focus In…
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