St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church

PLEASE BE AWARE.... We have been notified that scam emails and texts have been going out under the disguise of Father Sikorski's contact information. Gift cards and or cash have been requested.

Father Sikorski would NEVER communicate these requests via email or text . NEVER RESPOND to these types of messages. If Father Sikorski needs to speak with you, he will see you in person at Mass!   You should be aware of any email or text requesting money or gift cards etc... from anyone in the parish.

If you suspect you've been targeted by a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. 

Scammers are impersonating priests or clergy in emails and texts, requesting money or gift cards under false pretenses like an emergency, so be cautious and verify any such requests directly with your church or pastor. 

Here's a breakdown of how these scams work and how to protect yourself:

How the Scams Work:

• Impersonation:
• Scammers often use the names of real priests or clergy members to gain trust.
• Urgency and Emotional Appeals:
• They create a sense of urgency, claiming an emergency or a need for immediate help.
• Requests for Money or Gift Cards:
• They ask for cash, gift cards, or other forms of payment, sometimes claiming it's for a charitable cause or a friend of the priest.
• Confidentiality and Reimbursement:
• Scammers may insist that the transaction be kept confidential and that the recipient will be reimbursed later.
• Request for Gift Card Information:
• Once the gift card is purchased, they will ask for the card number and PIN to access the funds. 

Tips to Avoid Being Scammed:

• Verify the Request:
• Always contact your church or pastor directly to confirm any request for money or gift cards, especially if it comes via email or text. 
• Be Suspicious of Urgency:
• If a message creates a sense of urgency or asks for immediate action, be cautious and verify the request. 
• Look for Red Flags:
• Be wary of emails or texts that have poor grammar, spelling errors, or use a different email address than your pastor's usual one. 
• Don't Share Personal Information:
• Never share your personal or financial information, including gift card numbers or PINs, with anyone you haven't verified. 
• Report Suspicious Activity:
• If you suspect you've been targeted by a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. 
• Don't Reply to Spam:
• If you receive a suspicious email or text, don't reply, as this can confirm that your email or phone number is active and lead to more spam.