Good afternoon –
Today one of our Parishioners received a fraudulent email purported to be from Father Tom. This is called a “phishing scam.” Here is what a phishing scam is:
Phishing is the fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information or data, such as usernames, passwords and credit card details, by disguising oneself as a trustworthy entity or person in an electronic communication such as an email. Typically carried out by email spoofing, instant messaging, and text messaging, phishing often directs users to enter personal information at a fake website which matches the look and feel of the legitimate site.
Phishing is an example of social engineering techniques used to deceive users. Users are lured by communications purporting to be from trusted parties such as social web sites, auction sites, banks, colleagues/executives, online payment processors or IT administrators.
The goal of a phishing email is usually to send the criminal money or purchase debit cards and then give the “friend” in an email the account number on the debit card. People are often asked for their phone number in these emails.
If you receive a phishing email it is best to delete the email immediately.
Below is a chain of emails that were a part of this scam to our fellow Parishioner. We are sending this to you so that if you have not heard of this fraudulent activity you will know that this is always a possibility that you may receive a similar email from friends, relatives or even your pastor.
Bruce Bauer
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On Nov 30, 2020, at 6:00 AM, Rev. Thomas RJ Kiely <frthomaskiely@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear Bruce
Good morning, How are you doing? I need a favor from you email me as soon as you get this message.
God bless.
Fr. Thomas Kiely
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On Mon, Nov 30, 2020, 4:18 PM Bruce Bauer wrote:
Good morning Father Tom!
My family has remained safe through COVID-19.
Blessings!
Bruce
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On Nov 30, 2020, at 7:25 AM, Rev. Thomas RJ Kiely <frthomaskiely@gmail.com> wrote:
Thanks for your response Bruce. As a favor, I would be very glad if you can help me get a Steam Gift Card worth $500 at $100 or $50 denominations for a friend of mine going through cancer in the hospital. He needs the card to download his favorite gaming videos so as to boost his confidence on his next phase of surgery and fight over cancer which he’s going to undergo today but i can’t do this now.
Can you get it from any closest Store/CVS pharmacy around you right now. Here is how you are getting it delivered, you will see a silver print on the card, scratch the silver print gently, then email me picture of each card so I can get them forwarded to him directly and I promise to get you reimbursed as soon as i can.
“Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40
God bless you as you help my friend out of these terrible situation. Hope to hear from you soon if you can be of help.
Awaiting your response,
Fr. Thomas Kiely
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From: “Rev. Thomas RJ Kiely” <frthomaskiely@gmail.com>
Date: November 30, 2020 at 7:51:37 AM PST
To: Bruce Bauer
Subject: Re: Many Blessings, Bruce Bauer
Bruce! Thank you so much please kindly ask whatever you need to ask as I’m presently in a meeting right now and won’t be chanced to call kindly talk to me on here as I would give you a reply immediately.
Blessings,
Fr. Thomas Kiely
