Diocese of Metuchen issues alert about donation scam

The Diocese of Metuchen has issued an alert regarding reports of email and text scams that will use the name of a pastor to solicit funds in the form of gift cards or cash donations.  

The email usually begins with a simple “Hi,” but includes no recipients’ name, and asks for financial help for a worthy cause. The pastor’s name concludes the request.  

Several pastors in the Diocese of Metuchen have already heard from parishioners who received emails or text messages, seemingly from the pastor, asking for donations.  

The Diocese takes this opportunity to advise parishioners that pastors do not raise money in this manner and to exercise the utmost caution when receiving this type of communication. 

Some law enforcement agencies urge parishioners to question any email or text that doesn’t come from a person in their contacts. If a pastor’s name is used, parishioners should contact the parish to verify the legitimacy of the appeal. 

Anyone who feels that they have been the victim of this type of scam is urged to contact their local police department.