Gift Card Scam

Scams are becoming a daily risk. Here’s info to help protect yourselves and your loved ones.

Important: If you ever receive a request to buy gift cards from someone claiming to be clergy or church staff… pause. Always verify first by calling the person directly using a contact method you know is real. Never respond directly to the text or email.

Spoofing: Scammers may pretend to be someone you know by faking phone numbers or email addresses. If you’re asked for financial help by message, verify before responding.

Here’s an email a parishioner received last week. This is just as an example of how these scams often unfold:

• Scammer pretending to be Mtr. Anna: “I’m busy in a prayer session… but have an urgent matter for you to deal with.”
• Craig: “Hiking with friends. Can we talk later?”
• Scammer: “Yes, but please buy gift cards as a surprise for staff members, oh and keep one for yourself…”
• Craig: wisely ended the conversation.
  
  

What often happens:

• You receive a request claiming urgency.
• You’re asked to buy gift cards and share the codes.
• Once the codes are shared, the scammer has the money and it cannot be refunded. That’s the scam.
  
  

What to do instead:

• Stop. Don’t reply.
• Verify the request in person or by calling a trusted number.
• Never click links or open attachments from unknown messages.
• Never respond to the text or email until/unless verified.
  
  

If it doesn’t feel right, ask a trusted friend or reach out to the church office. We look out for one another. Together, we can keep our church family safe.