The Reverend Jenni Ovenstone Smith, the rector of Grace Church in Haddonfield, has reported that hackers posing as pastors are asking people to purchase gift cards to assist those in need.
She said that in at least two instance the fake emails purported to come from her.
“Scams in which hackers create false accounts posing as pastors are continuing,” she wrote in a message to her congregation. “These are not from me!”
She provided the following advice:
“Firstly, do not go out. Especially at this time when all advice is to stay home even from what might be considered an ‘essential errand,’ if possible. Don’t go to the store! And don’t respond to the email, or make purchases online. This is a scam.
“Secondly, even during ordinary times, you may expect requests for outreach assistance to come from direct Grace communication channels such as this ‘Grace Notes’ mailing, or on the web. Thank you to those who received these emails and knew to check first, as this request seemed unusual.”
Pastor Jenni concluded by writing: “While we realize that there are those exploiting our vulnerability and our compassion right now, I am grateful we have each other to strengthen and support the real efforts of love and care that sustain us in Christ at this time.”