Ridgewood Church Targeted By Scammers Pretending To Be Pastor

RIDGEWOOD, NJ - A Ridgewood church is warning its congregation not to fall victim to an email phishing scam that has been making the rounds.

According to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, the emails contain Pastor Ronald J. Rozniak’s and request contributions to the church by buying and sending in gift cards.

Don’t do it, the church said.

“If you receive an email that appears to be from Fr. Ron or any staff member asking you to take some kind of unusual action (click a link or download an attachment you didn’t request, wire money to a specified account, purchase gift cards and reply with the serial numbers, or simply to reply quickly), DO NOT RESPOND OR ENGAGE THE SENDER,” the church said in a social media post.

There have been several instances across the country in which scammers pose as priests and pastors in an attempt to defraud churchgoers. In the messages, people will typically be asked to purchase gift cards or send money to help the poor. However, priests or representatives of the church don’t use email or text to ask for donations or gift cards.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church said it’s the second time this particular phishing scam has struck its community. Additional information was not available Friday morning from the church.

Ridgewood Police Chief Jacqueline Luthcke said the church hasn't reported anything to the police department regarding the scam.

"At this time, there is no crime that has occurred. Hopefully people pay attention to their emails and no one falls for this. We have put out many times that anyone who solicits money through prepaid cards or sends it out of the blue, is not legitimate," she said.

Experts advise never replying with personal information to an email or phone call asking for donations. Instead, contact the church directly to inquire about how to donate money.