Scammers posing as local priests

Leaders of a local church say scammers are taking advantage of their congregations trust, posing as their pastor to take their parishioners' money.

Youth Director Robert Goodson told Action News Jax he knew something was off when he received an e-mail from a person pretending to be Pastor Christopher Liguori.

Goodson said the message asked him to buy and send photos of Apple gift cards.

“It seemed suspicious because it was when Father was out of town,” he said.

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He learned the fake contacted multiple other members of the church staff.

In the most recent attempt the scammer texted a member of the ministry, seeking $950 worth of Google Play cards for a friend battling cancer.

The would-be victim played right along, so the thief kept pushing before ultimately giving up.

“As far as someone to target for a scam, it’s just really low,” Goodson said.

In August, Action News Jax reported on an alert that went out to parishioners in the Diocese of St. Augustine about scammers posing as priests.

Goodson said his advice is to talk with your pastor if you have any doubts about who is sending the message.

Cox Media Group