People of Faith Need to Beware of Gift Card Scams

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What would you think if a pastor, rabbi, bishop, priest, minister or imam emailed, called or messaged you at home representing a worthy cause? The last thing on your mind would be the possibility that they are a scammer.

However, this is happening to people across the United States. This type of con is more than a one-time event, and the Federal Trade Commission has taken notice of these worshipper scams.

Despite posing as a representative of a church or organization, these fraudulent spiritual leaders are scammers pretending they want your help for a charitable cause. People fall for this scam as they feel as though they’re doing a good deed.

** FILE ** In this Jan. 10, 2008 file photo, a variety of retail gift cards are seen on a kiosk at a store in Santa Clara, Calif. Gift cards are once again expected to be the most-requested present for the season, the National Retail Federation said this week, even as total spending on them is expected to slip this year as shoppers search for better bargains among the deep discounts retailers are offering. People began spending their gift cards more on necessities last year, the group also said, a trend that is expected to intensify this year. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar, file) ORG XMIT: NYBZ172