Church Donation Scam Could Affect Asbury Park Area: Officials

The Diocese of Trenton issued an alert Tuesday concerning reports of email and text scammers pretending to be a pastor soliciting gift cards or cash donations.

The scam could affect churchgoers in the Asbury Park area, which falls under the Trenton Diocese's geographic area and includes Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church in Asbury Park.

Several pastors in the diocese have heard from parishioners who received emails or texts, seemingly from their pastor, requesting donations.

"The Diocese takes this opportunity to advise parishioners that pastors do not raise money in this manner and to exercise the utmost caution when receiving this type of communication," the Trenton Diocese said.

If a pastor's name is used to solicit donations this way, parishioners should contact their church to verify its legitimacy. If you feel you have been a victim of this scam, contact local police, the diocese said.

The diocese's warning follows reports of a similar church fundraising scam affecting Archdiocese of Philadelphia parishes. Some individuals received texts with their pastor's name, asking for gift cards for sick children, according to CBS Philly.