[ SCAM EMAILS ]
Dear Friends of Saint Barnabas,
We’re alerting you to phishing attempts from spammers impersonating our clergy and staff. These attempts often involve slightly altering email addresses to look legitimate. This technique, called “spoofing,” consists of changing a letter or symbol to make an email appear from a trusted source.
These emails might ask for personal information and money or even direct you to fake websites designed to steal your data. Please mark these emails as Phishing or Spam and block the sender.
Here are some quick tips to protect yourself:
- Verify email addresses: Check for minor spelling changes. (our legitimate emails end with @saintbarnabas.org)
- Don’t click suspicious links: Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
- Be careful with what information you share online or on social media. By openly sharing things like pet names, schools you attended, family members, and your birthday, you can give a scammer all the information they need to guess your password or answer your security questions.
Additionally, you can also report the email to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) HOME PAGE
The phishing/spam email might look something like this:
Email: RevDan254@gmail.com
Subject: Quick Response Needed, Please.
Good Day (Name of Parishioner)
I’m in a meeting and unable to call right now. Please reply when you have a moment.
Thank you
Best regards,
Rev. Dan Burner
Once you reply, you will receive a follow-up email about soliciting money or purchasing gift cards (our parish will never make this specific request to you). Please review the sender’s email.
Thank you for helping us keep our community safe. Once again, If you have any questions about an email, please contact our church office directly at (480) 948-5560
Blessings,
The Rev. Robert Berra
Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church