The coronavirus (COVID-19) health crisis is resulting in an increased amount of fraud and scam activity. Be extra vigilant in examining emails, voicemails, and texts for potential scams.
Scammers will use information about newly passed federal legislation as bait. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Office of Public Affairs is closely monitoring developments in Washington to see if there are potential, valid, opportunities for funding relief through financial assistance vehicles like these. The Diocese of Raleigh, the USCCB, or a local financial institution that you are familiar with will be the bearer of that information. .
If you are ever unsure of the validity of an email, voicemail or text request please forward your question/concern to:
IT.Support@raldioc.org (Catholic Center) or
Parish365.Support@raldioc.org (Parishes on our MSO365 System)
Do whatever it takes to ensure transactions are legitimate. Please note in particular, do NOT:
Respond or interact with emails with links to a ‘Church Financing Pre-Qualification Forms’
Give your bank information to anyone calling or emailing to set this up for you. Scams have already started – the IRS will not contact you by phone or email
Share information that could in any way provide knowledge to create a “background file” on a person or subject
Perform financial transactions like payroll account changes of any type, fund transfers, payments without verification