Scammers are targeting Presbytery members posing as officers and staff. Emails supposedly from Reverend Christy Ramsey, Elder Carl Dahlen and Reverend Hilda Pecoraro have been used for this fraud known as Spear phishing.
spear phishing
Google dictionary
the fraudulent practice of sending emails ostensibly from a known or trusted sender in order to induce targeted individuals to reveal confidential information.
It seems likely the scammers have stolen our emails from an email with multiple addresses sent by Elder Dahlen and Rev. Pecoraro. Our directory is also on-line but would be more difficult to abuse.
The attackers have created free email accounts that are plausible for those they are pretending to be, (Pastoralministry4@gmail.com for Rev. Pecoraro and headmission2@gmail.com for Elder Dahlen.) The impersonators then send vague urgent emails looking for a response. If you reply, they may request gift cards or some other easily convertible and untraceable source of funds. Do not send these.
Other spear phishing attacks have included links that install malware (viruses) when clicked or lead to counterfeit sites to steal login usernames and passwords. (see video below)
These scammers seem to be targeting trusted email senders in faith communities. (Note the numbers after the emails, we might be the 3rd and 5th attempts using emails beginning with headmission and pastoralministry.)
Do not reply. If your email program has a menu choice for reporting spam or even phishing attempts, do so and block the email address.
Microsoft Windows includes antivirus programs free with lifetime updates. No antivirus program protects us from clicking on poisoned links or sending compromising information via emails.
Be on the alert for emails from other Presbytery members (or anyone!) with odd email addresses and vague urgent requests. Busy times of the year like Christmas are a favorite time for attacks.
