Phishing Scam from Rev. Grace
Every now and then, a parishioner reports receiving a vague text or email which appears to be from one of our staff members or clergy asking for help. The message often does not describe the kind of help needed. People who have responded have received replies asking them to send money to an account or buy gift cards for people in need.
If this ever happens to you, please do not respond. These are "phishing" scams. The scammer uses a fake email address that is similar to an official email address. At first glance, the message appears real, but it is not. Churches and church members are often targets of these types of scams.
To help avoid these scams, we do not publish email addresses of church members online. In addition, our church directory is available only to members of the congregation known to staff. Please do not share our church directory outside of the congregation.
Despite our best efforts, sometimes scammers still get through. f you receive a phishing message, please take the following steps:
- Do not respond to vague requests for help. Our clergy and staff will always explain any help that is needed if we reach out by text or email.
- If you do respond, do not send money or gift cards. Our clergy and staff will never ask for money or gift cards by text or email.
- Please forward the message to office@stthomascolumbus.org so that we can be aware.
- If possible, report the sender to your email provider and ask them to review the message or block the sender.
Thank you for understanding!
