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St. James Cathedral Issues “Possible Scam Alert” to Parishioners
Cathedral says some parishioners have reported receiving messages impersonating clergy and staff
St. James is warning its parishioners to be more vigilant.
Pexels
November 7, 2024
By Peninah Asiimwe
St. James Cathedral in Old Town has issued a “possible scam alert” to its parishioners. The Cathedral says some have reported receiving urgent and personal emails and text messages that impersonated clergy and staff. St. James is now warning its parishioners that the Cathedral will never ask for money transfers or gift cards to be sent to staff.
The alleged scam mirrors a broader rise in fraud schemes across Canada — many targeting older adults — that use a sense of familiarity and urgency to push recipients to respond quickly.
With scams using deceptive tactics to exploit vulnerable individuals, heightened vigilance is necessary. Here’s how you can protect yourself:
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Be cautious of unsolicited requests or unfamiliar email addresses and phone numbers.
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Beware of any pressure to make quick decisions.
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Verify message authenticity by cross-checking email addresses or phone numbers with known contacts.
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Report suspicious activity to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501).
- Stay informed about new scams and fraud tactics.
St. James is encouraging its parishioners to stay vigilant by advising them to carefully review sender details on any emails claiming to be from Cathedral staff and to report any suspicious messages.
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