Scam Alert

Some Mary Mother parishioners have received emails that appear to come from Fr. Jim and ask the recipient to purchase gift cards to help someone in need. This is a scam. 


If you receive a message like this, do not respond or click any links— simply delete the email. 


Clergy and staff will never ask for money or gift cards through text or email.


Below is an example of a scam email:

It is always best  to doubt the validity of a message requesting some urgent action (including from your clergy, parish staff, or loved ones).


Here are some tips to verify the validity of message, based on the example above.


  1. Don’t trust it – presume the sender asking for something is an attempt at fraud.
  2. If you remain convinced it is a legitimate appeal:
  • Call the Main Office to ask about messages.
  • DO NOT reply to the message.
  • On a computer, ‘Hover’ over the sender’s email address or prepare to forward the message so you can review the sender’s address.
  • Scam emails typically don’t come from mmotc.org or the person’s correctly spelled email
  • Known false email addresses include: infopastorr@gmail.com, infopastor10@gmail.com, infopastor12 @gmail.com, infopasttor@gmail.com

   3. Don’t trust the email because of an image of Fr. Jim, or any known individual, anyone can set their profile photo to any kind of image.

  4. Notice typos and phrasing (granted, we all have typos from time to time), specifically in this example the following are out of place:

  • A lower case "i"
  • Lack of punctation
  • The spacing and choice to include a question mark in the closing.

  4. The urgency of this message is also particularly suspicious – Why would Fr. Jim need something so quickly? Why specifically Gift Cards? Why would he offer to reimburse you?

  5.  Make sure friends and neighbors have seen this note and are on the lookout as well.


These messages are skillfully crafted, compelling, and just urgent enough to motivate action, and take advantage of well-intended people. The best way to honor God with your resources is to sacrifice out of planned generosity and almsgiving, not spontaneous urgent requests. Our clergy and staff will never ask for a donation in this manner. When in doubt, please call the office.