KNOXVILLE, TN - The Knox County Sheriff's Office reports that: We have received several reports from local churches of scams involving the identity theft of pastors.
These scammers assume the identity of pastors or deacons of a church and start asking church personnel and members via text or email to send gift card info for them to give to needy people.
Be aware that if you receive a text or email from your pastor asking for money or donations via gift cards, you may want to reach out to them personally to make them aware they’re being targeted for a new Church scam and to not fall for it.
Here is an example of the text or email sent to members:
Hello Sam, Let me know when you’re available
There is something I need you to do for me, I am going into a meeting now with limited phone calls, so please just reply as text
(Pastors name)
The sender is not in your contact list.
These scammers are using spoofing techniques to appear that these messages are coming from actual pastors phone numbers or similar email addresses.
The biggest deterrent to these crimes is knowledge it is happening and to not fall victim for the scam.
We encourage everyone to (I.R.S.D) Ignore, Screenshot, Report and Delete.
If you receive or have received these kind of requests or scams over past couple weeks, please send info to
Captain Aaron Yarnell Knox County Sheriffs Office Technology Division 400 Main St. Knoxville, TN 37902
