What is a Scam?

– A scam is a dishonest scheme to trick people into giving money or personal details.

– Scammers often pretend to be trusted groups such as parishes, banks, or charities.

– They may contact you via email, text, phone, or social media.

Common Red Flags

– Messages asking for money, gift cards, or personal information.

– Pressure to act immediately or keep the request secret.

– Requests for unusual payment methods (gift cards, crypto, wire transfer).

– Sender’s email or phone number does not match the official parish details.

– Poor spelling, grammar, or generic greetings (e.g., “Dear friend”).

Common Pitfalls

– Trusting the display name without checking the full email address.

– Clicking on links before verifying the website.

– Sending money directly to individuals instead of official parish channels.

How to Avoid Scams?

– Stop and think before responding; scammers want you to rush.

– Verify requests by calling the parish office directly.

– Never share passwords or security codes.

– Donate only through official parish channels (bank transfer or parish website).

How to Verify Parish Communications?

– Parish will announce fundraising at Mass or on the parish website.

– The parish will never ask for gift cards or secret transfers.

What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Message?

– Do not reply, do not click links, or do not send money.

– Report the message to the parish office.

– If you have paid money, contact your bank immediately.

– In New Zealand, you can also report scams to:

* Police (non-emergency): Call 105

* Consumer Protection (Scamwatch): consumerprotection.govt.nz/scams

* Netsafe: netsafe.org.nz

* CERT NZ: cert.govt.nz

Frequently Asked Questions

– Why do scammers target parishes? Communities are generous and trusting.

– Will the parish or priest ask me directly for gift cards? No, never.

– How do I check if a link is safe? Type the parish website into your browser, instead of clicking.

– What if I’ve been scammed? You are not alone. Report it quickly to limit harm.