Have you received text messages, emails, or messages through Facebook Messenger from someone claiming to be Father Mark? The messages are usually brief and say something like “Can we talk in your spare time?” or “I’m in a meeting and can’t talk, but need your help and it’s urgent.” It is not until you respond that there are questions asking for money or gift cards indicating it is an emergency.
Don’t give. It’s not Fr. Mark. It’s a scam.
Many parishioners of the Diocese of Grand Rapids have been targeted by these fraudsters and it’s not just happening in West Michigan. The Diocese of Austin, Texas; the Diocese of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and the Archdiocese of Miami, Florida and others also have reported the scams.
Don’t fall for it! Here is what to know and do:
- Check the email address it is being sent from. If it is not “mpeacock@hsparish.org” then it is not from Fr. Mark. (for example, they often come from an email like “fatherr773@gmail.com and pmailoffice04@gmail.com)
- Know that Fr. Mark will never make requests like that via email or text message and instantly demand money or gift cards.
If you ever have any questions or concerns, or want to check before responding, you are always welcome to forward the emails to our office staff or call us to confirm the validity of the message.