Knoxville, TN – The Knox County Sheriff’s Office has issued an alert regarding a surge in scams targeting local churches. Scammers are reportedly impersonating pastors and church leaders to solicit gift card information and donations from unsuspecting members.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, these fraudsters are using spoofing techniques to make their messages appear as though they are coming from legitimate church contacts. The fraudulent messages often ask recipients to assist with urgent tasks or make donations to help those in need. The scammers exploit the trust and authority of church leaders, sending texts or emails with requests for gift card codes or personal information.
The Sheriff’s Office provided an example of such a message, which reads: “Hello Sam, Let me know when you’re available. There is something I need you to do for me, I am going into a meeting now with limited phone calls, so please just reply as text.”
Authorities advise community members to be vigilant and to verify any requests for donations or personal information directly with their church leaders before responding. The Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone who has received such messages to ignore, screenshot, report, and delete them. Reports can be sent to crimetips@knoxsheriff.org.
