The Archdiocese of Miami and our parish of Assumption have been hearing reports of people receiving emails from scammers impersonating clergy, asking for gift cards “for some women going through cancer at the hospital.”
This is the latest variation of texts and emails, also purporting to be from pastors or clergy, that began circulating in the U.S. back in April 2019.
Requests for money are done only in churches or through collections approved by the archdiocese. Fr. Govin also would never ask for gift cards or for people to verify personal information online.
If you, your friends or family have received emails or texts like this, please do not open the attachment and do not respond. Report the email or text as spam and delete it.
You also can report the scam to Florida’s Consumer Protection Division by visiting www.myfloridalegal.com and filling out a complaint form, or calling the Fraud Hotline, 1-866-966-7226.