CHICAGO (WBBM Newsradio) – The Archdiocese of Chicago says someone posing as the pastor of a north suburban church has emailed parishioners, asking them to buy gift cards as a donation, but it's really a scam.
Scammers are everywhere - but targeting a church parish?
"This is the first time that we've come across this, at least on behalf of a church in town,” Prospects Heights Police Officer Pardeep Deol said.
The email indicates it's from the pastor of St. Alphonsus Ligouri, he explains:
"It starts with, 'How are you? I need a favor. Can you email me back?'
"And then the person responds back, and they say, 'Hey, can you help me out and get some items, get some gift cards for a friend who's going through cancer? I'll reimburse you.'"
Officer Deol said don't fall into a trap. If you get something like that, contact the parish directly or call police.