With the Holiday Season underway, we want to offer a reminder to be vigilant against online scams.

Scammers are out in full force during the holidays and, as in times past, we’ve gotten a few reports from the field already. Don’t be taken by those out to use the busyness and good will of the season to do harm. A few things to look out for, as always:

• Fr. Ken will never email you asking for you to buy him gift cards. 
• Calls, Emails, Texts, Instant Messages, Etc. asking for gift cards, funds, cash apps or money wires on behalf of the Bishop, pastors, church staff, other parishioners, etc. 
• Calls, Emails, Texts, Instant Messages, Etc.  indicating that your account or purchase shipment has been compromised or that you need to “Click This Link” to confirm your account or order.
• Calls, Emails, Texts, Instant Messages, Etc. from an unknown person asking for your password, social security number or access to your computer.

What to do if you receive a suspicious communication:

• Delete it.  Don’t engage with the person on the other end.
• Try to reach your contact via a different (previously used or independently verified) method of communication. Examples Below:
• If someone says they are with the Diocese or Saint Bridget, call the main number of the Pastoral Center or call the Parish and ask for the person or their office to confirm.
• If you get an email saying that your bank needs to confirm your account, “please click here”.  Close that email without clicking and go to your bank’s website as you normally would or call the 800 number associated with your bank found on your card or their official website to confirm.