Important Notice for All Parishioners
We are aware of an increasing number of scams using artificial intelligence (AI), fake emails, text messages, phone calls, and social media accounts to impersonate priests, parish staff, banks, charities, and other trusted organisations.
Please stay vigilant:
- Fr Habte or Mary will never ask for money, gift cards, bank transfers, passwords, or confidential information by email, text message, or telephone.
- Be cautious of any message or call that creates a sense of urgency, secrecy, or pressure to act immediately.
- Scammers can use AI to create convincing emails, photographs, and even voice messages that appear genuine.
- Always check email addresses carefully and never click on unexpected links or open suspicious attachments.
- Fraudsters may make calls pretending to be from the parish, your bank, the police, or another trusted organisation. They can even make their phone number appear genuine.
How to Verify a Phone Call If you receive an unexpected or suspicious call:
- Do not provide personal, financial, or security information.
- End the call and contact the organisation directly using an official phone number obtained independently.
- Do not rely on phone numbers or contact details given by the caller.
- Never feel pressured to make an immediate payment or disclose sensitive information.
If you receive a message or call that appears to come from the parish but seems unusual, please contact the Fr Habte or Mary immediately. If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, please report it to the Parish Office and to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040.
Thank you for keeping our community safe
