Pastor gift card email scam
Scammers pose as a pastor, priest, or church leader using a look-alike email or new number. They ask members to buy gift cards for a good cause and send the codes.
How this scam works
Trust in church leaders makes people help without checking. Once the codes are sent, the money is gone.
Common versions of the message
- A pastor who cannot talk
- Gift cards for patients or people in need
- A promise to pay you back
What the message looks like
Email from Pastor John <pastor.john.office@mail.example>: Quick favor
Are you available? I need a quick favor. I'm in a meeting and can't talk, but I need 4 Google Play gift cards for patients at the hospital. Please scratch the back and email me pictures of the codes. I'll pay you back on Sunday.
Fictional example based on common, publicly reported scam patterns.
The red flags
- 1
Cannot call: “I'm in a meeting and can't talk”
So you cannot check it is really them
Saying they cannot talk keeps you from checking.
- 2
Gift cards: “4 Google Play gift cards”
Real pastors do not ask members for gift cards
Church leaders do not ask members for gift cards.
- 3
Send the codes: “email me pictures of the codes”
Once sent, the money is gone
Sending the codes hands over the money.
What to do
- Call the church office or your pastor on a number you already have.
- Do not buy gift cards or send codes.
- Let the church know so it can warn other members.
If you already replied, clicked, or paid
- Contact the gift card company right away with your receipts.
- Tell the church so it can warn others.
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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