Scam attempt targets LCC

WINNIPEG – A month ago The Canadian Lutheran reported on a new scam that is targeting Canadian churches. In the scam, someone posing as a church leader contacts other members of the church, sometimes by name, asking them to send electronic gift cards.

A similar scam was recently attempted against the national office of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC), with an unknown person purporting to be LCC’s president emailing a staff person and, over the course of several emails, finally asking them to send electronic gift cards.

The attempt was recognized as a scam and failed.

Canadian churches and charities should be on the lookout for the scam. Warning signs of this type of fraud can include:

1. A message (via email or text) that purports to be from a church leader you know, but it doesn’t come from that person’s normal email address or phone number.
2. The writer avoids direct communication with you in favour of emails or texts. (In this case, the scammer claimed their phone couldn’t receive voice calls right now and that they were busy in a meeting.)
3. Atypical writing style. (Ask yourself: Is this word-choice/capitalization/grammar what you would normally receive from the person in question?)
4. Asking you to do something unusual (like purchasing gift cards).

If you receive a strange message from someone claiming to be your pastor or another church leader, you should always contact your church directly to ask about it.

Readers are encouraged to share this story with churches and other charitable organizations.

If you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your local law enforcement. You can also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

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