justice Australia
Scammers impersonate church ministers in Australia
Scammers have impersonated church ministers to obtain church directories and ask congregants to buy gift cards. Australian anti-scam authorities say the scheme has targeted churches nationwide since 2021.
1 sourceabc.net.auUpdated
Claims
Support what holds up. Dispute what doesn't.
Scammers have impersonated church ministers to gain access to church directories.
“scammers were impersonating church leaders, whose names are typically publicly available online, to gain access to a church's directory”
AllegedScammers have emailed congregation members while pretending to be rectors and asked them to purchase gift cards.
“the scammer then emails members of the congregation pretending to be the rector, asking them to purchase gift cards”
AllegedThe National Anti-Scam Centre said the church scam has operated around Australia since 2021.
“this scam had been operating around the country since 2021”