SCAM ALERT

Dear Parishioners,

I want to make you aware of a scam that continues to circulate in Catholic parishes and other faith communities. Scammers are impersonating priests and clergy members through email and text messages and then asking parishioners to purchase gift cards, send money, or provide financial information.

Please know that I will never send you an email or text message asking you to purchase gift cards, send me money, provide gift card numbers, or make an urgent financial transaction on my behalf. The same applies to our parish clergy and staff.

These messages can sometimes be convincing. A scammer may use my name, the name of another priest, or information that is publicly available online. They may even create an email address that looks similar to a legitimate parish address. Often, the message begins innocently by asking whether you are available to help with a favor and only later asks for gift cards or money.

If you receive a suspicious message, please do not respond, click any links, send money, or purchase anything. Instead, contact the parish office directly using the contact information listed on our official parish website.

A good rule is simple: if a message supposedly from a priest asks for gift cards or money, assume it is fraudulent until you have verified it directly.

Please share this warning with family members and fellow parishioners, particularly those who may be less familiar with these types of scams. Thank you for remaining vigilant and helping us protect one another.

Peace and Blessings,

Very Rev.  Raymond Herard
Rector
Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel