Goodhue Country Church Scams

The Goodhue County Sheriff's Office reports they have received reports of attempted scams that are targeting church congregations.

This scam can come via e mail or text message.

Typically, the email address will be very similar to that of the pastor of the church (sometimes the letter i is replaced with a one or a o is replaced with a zero Ex: pastorbill@email.com will be past0rb1ll@email.com ).

If this scam come via text, it will be from an unfamiliar number but they will identify themselves as a representative of your church.

This scam generally requests gift cards and preys on the generosity of members of the church.

If you get a text or e mail from someone claiming to be a representative of your church, we encourage you to reach out to them and speak to them directly BEFORE sending any information.

In this scam it is typical for them to say they are in a meeting and unable to speak or meet. They may also ask for secrecy by saying that it is a surprise for multiple other people.

The Sheriff’s Office asks to please protect yourself and others by talking to friends and family about this scam so they don’t fall for it.