TAVARES, Fla. – “Will a man rob God?” It’s a Bible verse many people know — and now top of mind after Tavares police posted to social media this week, warning people about scammers impersonating members of a church, including its pastor.
“I’ve never had anybody impersonate me. It’s not a great feeling when that happens because you don’t want to lead anybody into something that’s bad,” said Morgan Flagler, pastor at First Baptist Church of Tavares.
Flagler said just last week, dozens of members of his church received text messages from someone using his name, asking them to buy gift cards.
“They asked for Macy’s gift cards for women with cancer,” Flagler said. “And they asked for different amounts — 30 bucks, 60 bucks, 100 bucks.”
Police said the scam started with fraudulent emails sent to church staff, using email addresses mimicking their own to collect members’ phone numbers.
“They actually impersonated different members of the staff or people in our church and said things that you would never second-guess,” Flagler said. “‘Hey, I need the number for this group, the choir, or whoever,’ hoping that you would send it over.”
Once Flagler caught wind of the scam, he contacted Tavares police.
“Our secretary got a text saying that it was from me. She was in the office at the same time, and so was I,” Flagler said.
Police said they received a handful of complaints, and one person lost money because of the scam. Officers also said scammers commonly ask for gift cards because they know they’re harder for law enforcement to track.
Flagler said the church has taken steps to warn and protect members.
“We have sent out robocalls, text messages, and announced it during our services,” he said.
Police said if you receive a phone call or text message asking for money or to buy gift cards, “always verify it using a phone number you already have saved or contact someone directly from the church or organization.