Scams

All email accounts from the Church of Nativity will end in @kcnativity.org.

 

Reporting

When internet fraudsters mimic a legitimate individual, organization or business to trick consumers into giving out personal information or money, it is called phishing. When fraudsters do this via text messaging, it is called smishing. If you lost money to a scam that started with an email, please report it at ftc.gov/complaint. Also, here is a great resource from the Federal Trade Commission: How to Recognize and Report Scam Text Messaging. We also need to be on the lookout for calling scams. You can read about some examples here.

To protect yourself from smishing, phishing, email scams and hoaxes, follow these tips from the Federal Trade Commission.

• Be aware. Legitimate organizations never ask for personal or financial information (such as usernames, passwords, PINs, credit or debit card numbers) via text message, social media, or emails.

• Do not be rushed. Smishing scams try to create a false sense of urgency by implying that an immediate response is required or that there is limited time to respond.

• Verify the legitimacy of a text message, social media message, or email that you receive from any organization, including a church. Call the office and speak to a representative who can assist with verifying the legitimacy of the communication. Do not  call any phone numbers that may have been included in the suspicious message. Contact the organization by the information listed in your records.

• Ignore suspicious text messages, social media messages, and emails from someone who claims to need your personal information or financial assistance.

Can you pass the quiz?

The Federal Trade Commission has put together a Phishing Quiz to help you spot and stop fishing fraud.

Try it out!

Phishing Quiz | Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov)