Churches are often targeted by scammers, especially UU ones. One of their favorite scams is to impersonate the Minster, and ask for money. They may also impersonate other church leaders and staff. This impersonation scam is a type of “phishing”–getting you to bite, and hooking you for money. Here’s a quick way to protect yourself from scams.
- Did you get a text message from someone saying they are the Minister, and asking you get back to them without specifying exactly why? Ignore it. Ministers are clear why they need to talk with you.
- Did you get a text asking you to reply to their text, but not call? Ignore it. Scammers don’t want you to hear their voice. There is no reason a church leader or Minister can’t talk with you on the phone.
- Our Minister and church leaders will never ask you for money to help them out personally.
- Did you get an email without the @cvuus.org extension? Ignore it. The Minister and Staff will always use their official @cvuus.org emails.
Remember, the Minister and Church Leaders always have each other to contact, in case any of us needs assistance.
What should you do if you get a scam email/text?
- Ignore it.
- You don’t even need to let us know. We know scams are happening.
- If you are unsure of anything, email the Board President. You already know their email.
Examples
Here are actual scams sent to members of a UU congregation Notice in these cases that the scammer doesn’t say why they need you, and also wants a text only, so you can’t hear their voice.
- A screenshot of a text message
2. Here’s another one
from tel # 845.741.7476
Text:
Hi ___, How are you? Let me know when you are available. There is something I need you to do. I am going into a meeting now with limited phone calls, so just reply to my text. Peace and blessings, Rev. Dr. Xolani Kacela