St. Mark’s and many churches and dioceses have experienced email scams, in which emails appearing to be from the rector, clergy leader or bishop soliciting church members to send money, provide information, or purchase gift cards. This is a form of email “phishing” known as “whaling.”

More recent attempts have included voice messages claiming to be from Bishop-elect Paula Clark. Please be assured that no clergy or diocesan staff member will ask you for money or gift cards. Any requests for these items should be deleted.

If you think you may have received a scam email, we recommend the following:

• Carefully check the sender’s name and email address
• Look out for misspelled words and incorrect grammar 
• Do not click on any suspicious links or attachments
• Report the email as spam

Reporting A Scam

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the main agency that collects scam reports. Report your scam via email or by phone:

• 1-877-382-4357 (8 am – 7 pm)
• Email phishing-report@us-cert.gov
• File a report at ftc.gov/complaint