Scam warning: Beware of fake church emails!

Scam warning: Beware of fake church emails!

The diocese of Lausanne, Geneva and Friborg is urgently warning of a current wave of phishing attacks. Recently, fraudulent emails sent from false Outlook.com addresses in the names of Bishop Charles Morerod and Vicar General Jean-Claude Dunand have been reaching recipients in the diocese. These messages aim to steal personal information or cause financial harm by extorting money or gift cards. The diocesan communications department clarified in a press release that these fraudulent schemes are common practices that often target the ecclesial community by posing as priests and pretending to be in need. To date, fraudsters have used a variety of methods to gain trust in unmistakable attacks.

Vigilance required

The diocese calls on both pastors and parishioners to be vigilant and recommends relying on information from the Federal Cybersecurity Office if they have any questions. The call to document and report “cyber incidents” using the appropriate reporting form is intended to help prevent further attacks and maintain community trust, which is severely compromised by such incidents. The press release noted that these attacks can cause not only financial but also intangible damage by shattering trust between church members.

The topic of cybersecurity is also important for the media landscape, as the communications department of the Archdiocese of Freiburg actively creates and disseminates information about current events and trends. The Communications and Media Office plays a key role in informing secular and church media about new developments and offers training for employees. Interested media have the opportunity to subscribe to the press distribution list in order to receive access to media releases and press photos. These measures not only support the church's internal and external communications, but could also provide some protection against such fraudulent attacks by promoting awareness, such as ebfr.de reported.