We have gotten multiple reports from pastors and parish staff about emails and texts being sent to parishioners and staff claiming to be from the parish priest and asking for the recipient to purchase gift cards. This is a scam that has been going on for multiple years now, and unfortunately there isn’t much we or the South Dakota Attorney General or the South Dakota Department of Consumer Protection can do about it, other than warn and educate people.
We would highly recommend putting a warning about this scam in your parish bulletins periodically and letting your parishioners and staff know you will never solicit them for gift cards via email or text and to always check by calling the parish office or contacting Father.
Digital security awareness education and training is encouraged and available for pastors and your parish staff!
Please contact Dawn Wolf for more details regarding this security education opportunity at dwolf@sfcatholic.org or by calling 605-988-3707.