Catholic Charities USA warns on latest "phishing" expedition of fradulent e-mail
Catholic Charities USA issued the following statement on fraudulent email that is circulating:
Fraudulent email messages that have misappropriated the name of Catholic Charities USA and its affiliates to extract money or personal information from unsuspecting recipients continue to circulate.
This kind of fraud is typically designed to deceive recipients into revealing personal information—such as home address, telephone number, and credit card, social security, and bank account numbers—to identity thieves. Often the message claims that the recipient has been chosen to receive a cash grant or donation.
Catholic Charities USA and its affiliated entities do not and will not distribute unsolicited email requesting this type of information. Please be advised that Catholic Charities USA is no way associated with or responsible for these messages.
Please note details in the emails that are circulating may be slightly different. Two examples of such emails are below.
EXAMPLE 1
Dear Benefactor of 2007 Grant Award,
You are lucky to have been selected among the 4 benefactor of $2.5 million dollars to be awarded each by
The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese in Rome. For further inquiry, in order to claim your grant, contact the Cash Grant Program Coordinator secretary.
Honorable Richard Bates
Secretary and Treasurer
Cash Grant Program Coordinator
Email: catholic_charitygrant1@hotmail.com
Rev. John C. Gerspach,
Assistant Secretary
EXAMPLE 2
Dear Benefactor Of 2007 Grant Award,
You are lucky to have been selected among the 4 benefactor of$2.5 million dollars to be awarded each by The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese in Rome. For further inquiry,In order to claim your grant,contact the Cash Grant Program Coordinator secretary
Honorable Richard Bates
Secretary and Treasurer
Cash Grant Program Coordinator
Email:catholiccharitygrantbenefactors@hotmail.com
Honorable Richard Bates
Secretary and Treasurer
Cash Grant Program Coordinator
VERIFICATION AND FUNDS RELEASE FORM
1.FULL NAMES:
2.ADDRESS:
3.SEX:
4.AGE:
5.MARITAL STATUS:
6.OCCUPATION:
7.E-MAIL ADDRESS:
8.TELEPHONE NUMBER:
9.CITY:
14. STATE:
15. COUNTRY
John C.Gerspach,
Asistant Secretary