What to do when you are actively receiving scam email or text messages
Scammers target churches by posing as pastors or leaders and requesting money, often through gift cards. Although we haven’t detected any security breaches, we take this issue seriously and are here to help protect your community.
We understand the frustration and concern these scams cause, and we’re here to support you. If you suspect fraudulent activity or need assistance, please reach out to us.
By staying vigilant and proactive, we can work together to safeguard our church communities from scams.
In This Article
Receiving Scam Emails
Common Scam Tactics
- Impersonating a pastor or church leader to request gift cards or money.
- Using data collected from social engineering, church websites, and public records.
- Requesting access to church directories under false pretenses. This is incredibly common, and it's not unusual for our users to receive unsolicited emails asking to be added to the church directory.
Steps to Protect Your Directory and Community
Review Membership Listings:
- Regularly verify directory members.
- Check for unfamiliar logins under the Share Member Apps tab.
Secure PDF Directories:
- Do not post your church directory online.
- If you share the directory via email or online, ensure it has a strong password.
- Use a secure method to share the PDF password with members.
Be Cautious Sharing Information:
- Avoid listing staff emails publicly.
- Verify any new member requesting directory access.
- Confirm any staff member requesting a change to their email address.
- Confirm any staff member or member asking for a PDF to be emailed.
Report Suspicious Emails:
- Report suspected scam emails to us using the Contact Us link. We may add it to our List of Bad Actors document.
- Report fraudulent emails to service providers—especially if they’re impersonating someone. Use the links below:
Receiving Scam Text Messages
Common Scam Tactics
- Impersonating a pastor or church leader.
- Requesting money or gift cards via text messages.
- Using data gathered from social media and church websites.
Steps to Protect Your Church Community
- Encourage members to be cautious when receiving unexpected financial requests.
- Avoid listing personal phone numbers publicly, such as on websites.
- Educate your congregation about scam tactics and what your church will or will not request via text message.
Reporting Scam Text Messages
- Text Forwarding: Copy the message and send it to 7726 (SPAM) to help your wireless provider block similar messages.
- Phone Settings: Use built-in reporting tools on Android and iOS.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Report scam texts at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.