Some of you may have received emails and text messages from someone pretending to be Fr. Nathan asking for iTunes cards or telling you he is in urgent need of your assistance. Some emails even have his picture on them. Please know, Fr. Nathan will never use email or text messages to contact you for any kind of solicitation or for any urgent request. The same is true for all of us on the parish staff. Please do not be fooled by these false emails and texts. If you receive such an email or text please delete it. If you are uncertain about the authenticity of an email or text, feel free to check with us at the Pastoral Center
623-8823.
 
 

• Protect your personal account information, ATM pins, passwords and one-time passcodes. If someone contacts you and asks for this information, especially if it's someone claiming to be from your bank or credit union, do not share it with them.
• If you want to be sure you're talking to a legitimate representative of the company that contacted you, call the number on their official website.
• If you want to be sure you are talking to a legitimate representative of your bank, call the number at the back of your card or visit a branch
• Never click on suspicious links in a text or email or grant anyone remote access to your phone or computer.
• Do not respond to phone, text or internet requests for money or access to your computer or bank accounts. Banks will never call, text or email asking for you to send money to yourself or anyone else to prevent fraud.

How Cyber Criminals Scam Seniors

1. You're told to act immediately--Imposters want you to act before you have time to think and may pretend to be a relative in need, a utility company or even your bank or credit union.
2. They ask for your personal info or codes -- Never share codes or personal information when contacted unexpectedly by phone, text, email, computer alert or social media.
3. You're asked to pay in an unusual way--Be wary if asked to pay by wire transfer, gift card codes or payment apps.

Students and seniors may be at higher risk for scams--Help your loved ones avoid scams. Share information on what to look out for and how to help keep their personal information and money secure.

Remember, if it plays on your emotions or sounds too good to be true, it's likely a scam.

Tech Support scammers try bait you into giving them access for your computer by making you believe there is a serious problem with your computer, typically claiming your computer is infected with a virus.

Their goal is to make you believe they have “fixed” your computer and will request payment via gifts cards, prepaid cards, money transfer apps, etc. In the event you are not willing to send them payment, they will often lock you out of your computer until you send them the desired amount.

Be Aware
There are multiple tactics tech support scammers use to gain access to your computer. These tactics most commonly include calling individuals and using pop-up warnings.

Calls from Tech Support Scammers:
Tech support scammers may call pretending to be from a well-known company (Apple, Microsoft, etc.). They will claim there is a problem with your computer and will ask you give them remote access to your computer. If you receive a phone call you are not expecting, hang up. 

Pop-up Warnings:
Another popular tactic tech support scammers use is pop-up warnings that appears on your computer screen. Do not call the number on these pop-ups, real security warnings and messages will never ask you to call.

What to Do If You Were Scammed:

• If you shared your password you should change it immediately on all accounts that use that password. Scammers will likely try to gain access to your account(s).
• If you paid a scammer with a debit or credit card contact your credit card company or bank right away. 
• If you gave a scammer remote access to your computer, update your computer’s security software. Then run a scan. Contact a professional if you need further assistance.