Phone Scammers Claim To Be Members Of Local Church

HOOVER, AL — Phone scams are more prevalent than ever, and the criminals attempting to scam money from victims are constantly coming up with new ways to get money from victims. Hoover police this week identified the latest scam that involves callers claiming to be from a local church soliciting money.

A report from the Hoover Police Department said the callers use the actual church and pastor’s name, and attempt to get the victim to purchase gift cards to use as donations.

The scam has reported as such:

• Call comes in on a spoofed 205 area code number.
• Scammer references the church, then the pastor’s name (or other staff member). They then explain the church staff member is at a local hospital and is “trying to meet a need” for a sick person.
• Scammer then asks for gift cards to be purchased. After that, they want you to call them back and give them the gift card numbers over the phone.

"Please help educate your family, neighbors, fellow church members, and more on this scam," Hoover police said in a statement. "If it wasn’t working, then they wouldn’t be doing it."

Anyone who receives a call like this can notify police at 205-822-5300 or contact the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov/complaint.