New Gift Card Scam Targets Worshipers

The Federal Trade Commission is warning consumers about yet another new gift card scam.

This time it’s targeting worshipers.

Scammers are pretending to be a pastor, rabbi, priest, imam, or bishop, and they’re asking worshipers for gift card contributions for a worthy cause.

Appeals are often made by email, but the FTC said people are also getting texts and phone calls.

The fake clergyman or woman will ask you to buy a popular gift card — frequently, iTunes, Google Play, or Amazon, and then asks for the gift card number and PIN on the back of the card.

Those numbers let the scammer immediately get the money you loaded onto the card. And once that’s done, the scammer and your money are gone, usually without a trace.

The bogus emails often include the name of the local pastor and a legitimate looking email address.

However, according to the FTC, a closer look should raise some red flags.

For example, the email address will likely not be the one normally used by the church, and the Internet service provider will be different, too.

The message may begin with a simple “Hi,” but won’t include a recipients’ name.  There also may be spelling errors, including the pastor’s name.

If you or someone you know paid a scammer with a gift card, report it as soon as possible.  The FTC advises calling the card company and tell them the gift card was used in a scam.

You should also report it to local law enforcement and then, tell the FTC about it by going online to: ftc.gov/complaint.

Your reports may help law enforcement agencies launch investigations that could stop imposters and other fraudsters.