The Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta is warning members to beware of an email scam circulating in the area.

According to a notice from the diocese, the scammers try to get money or personal information. They may appear to be legitimate and may even pose as a person or organization affiliated with the  clergy or parish.

A spokesman said there have been reports from several parishes about the scam and warned that the emails have become more sophisticated.

“If you have recently received an unusual email from a parish leader requesting gift cards or money it could be part of a scam,” according to the diocese.

To avoid becoming a victim, the diocese recommends members carefully check the sender’s name and email address; look for misspelled words or incorrect grammar; don’t click on suspicious links or attachments; and to report the email as spam.

To report a scam, contact the Federal Trade Commission’s consumer response center  at 1-877- 382-4357 or go to www.ftc.gov/complaint.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Jason Getz/AJC

Credit: JASON GETZ / jgetz@ajc.com

Featured

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum, accompanied by Atlanta Fire Chief Roderick Smith, provided an update to the press during a media tour at the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center. They discussed the new Simulation Center, which will enable officers to train for various crime scenarios, including domestic disputes, commercial robberies, and kidnappings. Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.
(Miguel Martinez / AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez/AJC