Churches are known for generosity, making you and your congregation prime targets for scammers. Here are 10 common scams churches face and how to protect yours.
1. Company Phishing Scams
Experts estimate that 3.4 billion fake emails go to personal, business and nonprofit organizations — including churches — daily. The scammers pose as an internet company, phone company or other service provider to gain passwords and credit card information.
Always verify messages with the company using their official contact information and not through the method by which someone initially contacted you.
2. Posing as a Pastor/Church Leader
Your members and staff could get a message from someone claiming to be you or another church leader. Professionals dub this manipulation method “spear phishing” since it’s more targeted.
You can prevent getting your information hacked by keeping your security software up to date and adding multifactor authentication to your accounts. Before there’s a chance for it to happen, assure your assembly that you won’t digitally ask for money without prior announcement.
3. Phishing with Member Information
If someone gets ahold of a member’s personal or account information, they could use it to solicit money from you or other congregation members.
If someone asks for a wire transfer or gift card, it’s likely a scam. Strange formatting is also a giveaway. If you receive one of these attempts, contact the member directly to confirm whether or not they sent the plea.
4. Phony Gift Offers
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” However, that doesn’t mean a stranger will feed your church in return. You might receive a message from someone posing as a company or wealthy individual offering to pay for a renovation, technological upgrade or other church need.
Never give sensitive information over the phone or email before verifying that the person or company is legitimate. Do plenty of research before you respond to an offer, and remember that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
5. Posing as a Charity
Many churches rush to aid communities affected by natural disasters or other tragedies. However, pausing whenever you get a phone call, text message or email posing as a reputable charity is vital.
When providing aid, it’s best to reach out directly to an organization or give via their official website — not by following a link or providing information over the phone.
6. Directory Scam
Church directories are a great way to keep members connected. However, they can also be great for scammers. Online directories provide an array of contact information for your churchgoers that can be misused for scams.
If you post directory information online, do it via a secure document you can share or on a website that requires a login. Inform members about the directory going online and allow them to redact their personal information. Alert all members to the scam potential and to always verify any soliciting message they receive.
7. “Grandparent” Scam
A grandparent scam typically happens when someone poses as an older adult’s grandchild to get money quickly. Scammers can target elderly individuals similarly by pretending to be a young person from the church or another needy child. They can go hand in hand with directory scams since they have enough information about the young person to seem legitimate.
Education is one of the most essential tools in preventing these scams. It’s also vital to secure any church member’s information, especially those of minors.
8. Collection Count Scam
Counting your weekly collection often seems like an excellent way to volunteer. However, it makes it easy for that person to manipulate the situation and steal some or all of the raised money.
Always have at least two unrelated individuals manage money. Solicit different volunteers each week or ensure your church’s treasurer and another person handle it. A solid security system can also catch them in the act of stealing.
9. Ponzi Scheme
There is an unfortunate pattern of churches falling into Ponzi schemes. Organizations will lure members by pretending to affiliate with your denomination.
These scams pose as legitimate business opportunities. Like some of the other cons on this list, it’s vital to warn members about these schemes and how they rob members of their income.
10. Health Sharing Scam
While there are legitimate health-sharing organizations that cover member medical expenses, they are also an excellent opportunity to pose as someone who recently underwent surgery or needs help to pay for medication when they don’t. Fake health-sharing services can create these claims to steal money from you and your members.
You can read reviews and examine Better Business Bureau (BBB) scores to help determine if an organization is valid.
Protecting Your Church from Scams
The fear of scams shouldn’t prevent you from giving to those in need. Keeping a critical eye on virtual or phone requests for money is necessary. You can avoid scams by educating your congregation, taking the right security measures and contacting organizations directly.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In