Scammers pose as pastor, ask congregation for donations [Video]

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) –– The pastor of a west suburban church says an online scam may have targeted hundreds of his parishioners.

“It seems really despicable, doesn’t it?”

The Rev. George Smith, rector at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Glen Ellyn, says his congregation is being targeted in a phishing scam by people who claim to be him.

He read one of the emails to WBBM Newsradio: “Here’s what I want you to do for me because I think you are in the best position to do this discreetly. I aimed at surprising some women in our community who are going through cancer with gift cards this week.”

Smith is incredulous. “I mean, can you believe that? They are targeting people who want to be kind and they’re throwing out things like people with cancer. It’s really awful.”

As many as 300 parishioners may have been targeted at St. Mark’s, and Smith believes other churches have also been victimized.

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