Beware: Robocalls targeting survivors of clergy sex abuse

Phone Scam

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) -- As the clergy sex abuse summit in the Vatican comes to a close, there is warning that somebody behind robocalls in Philadelphia claiming to be looking for clergy abuse victims is likely a scammer.

"A settlement has been reached with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia," the recorded call claims. "We are currently looking for victims or friends and family members of victims of Catholic Church sexual abuse."

Red flag Number One: there is no court settlement.

And the archdiocesan spokesman says the pitch isn't coming from the archdiocese or those administering a victims compensation fund.

READ: Pennsylvania's AG warns people of IRS scams during tax season 

Another big red flag...

"Most qualified plaintiffs are paid within 30 days."

Lawyers who handle clergy abuse claims say that's not happening...ever.

Finally, the call asks you to dial a number and leave confidential information and a "representative" will get back to you.

A spokesman for Attorney General Josh Shapiro says don't ever surrender personal information to anyone over the phone. 

If you've received such a call or did, indeed, give a caller your data, Shapiro's spokesman says you should contact the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office right away.