May 06th, 2020

Important Information from
The Diocese of Grand Rapids
 
Gift card scam: In this scam, a parish staff member or parishioner receives an email or text purportedly from your priest asking them to fulfill a favor. When the recipient responds, the scammer tells them to buy gift cards and give them the codes from the back. More information on the scam can be found at these two links:
https://grdiocese.org/priest-impersonation-scam-text-email-gift-cards/ 
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/paying-scammers-gift-cards#Paid
 
Direct Deposit Scam: In this scam, your bookkeeper receives an email purportedly from your pastor asking him/her to change his banking or direct deposit information before the next payroll. Please remember, direct deposit information should never be changed based on an email. Your bookkeeper must have signed paperwork and a canceled check or deposit slip in hand to complete this type of request.