Beware of this Scam!

(This alert is from The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri).

Don't get hooked: Watch out for phishing scams

Have you received an email or a text message from a person or company you know, asking you to send money, gift cards or help in some way? This is likely a phishing scam.

The diocese has received multiple reports of phishing scams. Many of these emails or text messages look like they’re coming from your parish priest, or even your bishop. They may ask you to send money or click on a link to provide personal information.

It is important for everyone to be aware of these scams. Although the email may look like it’s coming from your priest, look closely -- you will likely find a misspelling or the domain will be wrong.

DO NOT reply to the messages, DO NOT give any personal information, and DO NOT send money! We advise you to delete the message.

If you receive an email or text and are unsure of its origins, call your parish office and make sure the email was not from the church. Again, DO NOT directly respond to the message.

To learn more about how to recognize and avoid phishing scams, check out this information from the Federal Trade Commission:

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams