Within an hour last evening three parishioners let me know that they received this text message:
_____, Please return my text when you get it, I have a favor to ask. -Fr. Tim.
The number was 612.226.4381. That’s in the Twin Cities, and it is not mine.
I can’t say this often or emphatically enough: DISREGARD ANY TEXT OR EMAIL YOU RECEIVE THAT CLAIMS TO BE FROM ME ASKING FOR UNSPECIFED ASSISTANCE. DON’T TEXT THEM BACK. BLOCK THE CALLER IN YOUR CONTACTS.
Very few people have my cell phone number, and I do not have most parishioners’ cell numbers in my phone. I have no idea how the scammers get peoples’ numbers or how they connect them to me, but this happens to most pastors and their flocks. Most of the scammers are overseas and outside the jurisdiction of local law enforcement. The best thing we can do is be smart and be vigilant. I apologize for the disruption and inconvenience this causes.
In other news, this is a very full weekend coming up here at Queens. Be informed and be an active participant in all the good things going on around here as we celebrate Jesus’ Ascension into Heaven.