Scammers sometimes pretend to be clergy or diocesan staff to trick people into sending money or gift cards. These messages can look convincing, but there are clear warning signs.

1. Be Careful with Urgent or Secret Requests

Real clergy will not ask for money urgently or secretly by email or text. Scam emails often:

• Say things like “I need your help right away”
• Ask you not to tell anyone
• Create pressure so you act quickly

2. Watch for Requests for Gift Cards or Cash

Clergy will not ask church members or administrators to purchase gift cards or to pick up cash. Common scams can include asks like:

• “Can you buy gift cards for a ministry need?”
• “Scratch off the back and email me the codes”

3. Check the Email Address Carefully

The name may look right, but the address may not be. Official communications from diocesan sources will come from emails that end with @dohio.org. Add your clergy's email addresses to your mail contact lists, so they are easier to identify. Watch out for extra letters or misspellings (e.g., frjohnn.church@gmail.com).

4. Look for Odd Language or Tone

If it doesn’t “sound like them,” trust your instinct. Scam emails often sound different to how your clergy normally write, use awkward wording or grammar, or feel overly formal or unusual.

5. Clergy Will Not Ask for Personal Information by Email

Be cautious if an email asks for you or your faith community's bank information, your social security number, or account passwords.

6. When in Doubt, Stop and Verify

Before responding, do not reply to the email. Do not click links or open attachments. Instead, contact the faith community or diocesan office directly, and speak to the clergy member directly.

7. What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Email

• Do not respond
• Do not send money or gift cards
• Document the message
• If possible, forward it to the parish or diocesan office so they can warn others

If money was already sent, contact your bank or gift card company immediately.