FORT THOMAS, Ky. — At first glance, a text message from a reverend asking for donations may sound like a normal message. But in this case, it's another scam. 

What You Need To Know

  • Christ Church UCC is warning its members to be on the lookout for scam messages impersonating church members

  • Nearly 10 members received a scamming email or a text message asking for money 

  • The 2022 Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Sentinel Network reported there was $330 million in losses through text scams

Rev. Edward Goode has spent the past six years serving at the Christ Church UCC. He said he has built a strong relationship with members, so when they reached out asking if he had sent a text asking for funds, he was shocked and upset. 

“I was angry because someone was using my name to try to manipulate and scam people in this congregation, who I dearly love," he said. 

He said in the past few days, nearly 10 people in his congregation have received a text saying, “I need your assistance” and requesting money through Amazon gift cards.

Goode said scams like this break trust built in the community.

He said members have to, "question, is this really from Pastor Ed? Is this really from this friend of mine?" 

There was more than $330 million in losses through text scams in 2022, as reported to the Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Sentinel Network, with a median reported loss of $1,000. A study showed around 5% of people who experienced mass market consumer fraud complained to the Better Business Bureau.

Better Business Bureau expert Whitney Adkins said it’s important to verify the source of texts to determine if they're legitimate. 

"Don't respond to that message, but communicate with them in another way and ask, 'Was this you? Did you send this out?'" Adkins said. 

Goode said he has been giving similar tips to his congregation members. 

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