How to Use Scam Check to Spot Fraudulent Emails

Scammers sometimes try to add themselves to church directories to collect personal information or solicit donations under false pretenses. Our Scam Check tool helps you identify and stop them before they gain access.

In This Article

• Bad Actors Gaining Access to the Directory
• Using the Scam Check Tool
• How to Block a Scammer’s Email

Bad Actors Gaining Access to the Directory

Scammers often email church administrators pretending to be new members. Here are examples of messages they may send:

"I hope this message finds you well. My name is ... My husband and I (or just I) are thrilled to become part of your church family. Kindly add us to the church's member online directory and also set up online giving. We anticipate sharing in worship and community with you all."

Or:

"My name is ... and I have recently joined the congregation with my spouse. I was advised to reach out to ensure we’re both included in the digital directory and set up for online donations. Thank you for your efforts in keeping the directory current and fostering a strong sense of community."

These messages often:

• Use warm, generic language
• Include a fake “stock” photo or a staff member photo from your website
• Ask to set up online giving/donations
• Mention specific church roles found on your website or Facebook page

If you suspect an email or directory request may be fraudulent, use the Scam Check tool.

Important Never email the directory PDF to someone without phone-verifying their identity—even if they appear to be a staff member.

If church members are receiving scam emails or texts, see:

What to do when you are actively receiving scam email or text messages

Using the Scam Check Tool

You can quickly verify suspicious emails using the Scam Check tool found at the top of the Dashboard or Families tab.

To check an email:

1. Click Scam Check in the top menu.
2. Enter the suspicious email address.
3. Click Check Now.

How to read the results:

• “This email is flagged as a scammer.”

  This email is on our known scam list. Remove it from your directory immediately.

  Note: If the email was added earlier, the scammer may have already accessed your directory.

• “This email was found in 5 other directories...”

  It isn’t on our official block list but shows signs of a scam if it’s in 3 or more directories. Before adding the email address, verify the person’s identity by phone.

• "This email is not on our scam list."

  If the email is not known to us, if you suspect it’s a scammer’s email, you can still report it for review via Contact Us.

Special Alert:

If you try to add an email to a family or individual who is already on our scammer block list, we’ll alert you and the email won’t be added to your directory.

How to Block a Scammer’s Email

If you confirm that a scammer's email is in your directory, take these steps:

1. Report

• Report the fraudulent email to Customer Support.
• We will add the scammer’s email to the block list and log them out of your directory.

2. Remove the email from your directory

• Delete their email from your directory. This will also boot them out of your directory. (This is strongly recommended even if you’ve also reported the email.)

If you believe a scammer gained access, read:

Protect your church against scams

If members are already receiving scam messages, review:

What to do when you are actively receiving scam email or text messages