When you are aware of a telephone, text or computer scam in a parish or diocesan location, please let the Diocese know - send an email message to:
And please report scams to your local law enforcement.
Phishing attacks are a form of social engineering used to trick users into providing their login, password, and other sensitive/personal information.
Most phishing campaigns are performed by sending massive spam emails with links to maliciously-hacked websites that look like real ones (such as financial institutions, banks, online wallets, etc). Once users log into these fake websites, your login details are stored in the attackers' remote database. They can then use your credit card, bank account or email services.
Social engineering is one of the most classic types of cyber-attack that can be launched against individuals or organizations. It involves manipulating people to get valuable information to be used at a later time to illegally log into private protected systems or networks. The primary motivation behind social engineering is often to steal money, financial data (such as bank account or credit card information), and other sensitive information from a company or customer.
From: Kevin Sweeney [mailto:[email protected]] (FAKE EMAIL ADDRESS)
Sent: Thursday, August 6, 2020 1:53 PM
To: (Diocesan staff member, name removed)
Subject: 7650
Hi (Staff name):
Are you available? Reply to confirm.
Regards,
Bishop. Kevin Sweeney
____________________________________________________________________
From: Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, DD [mailto:[email protected]] (FAKE EMAIL ADDRESS)
Sent: Monday, March 13, 2023 at 09:08:05 PM EDT
To: (Diocesan staff member, name removed)
Subject: Monday, March 13, 2023 at 09:08:05 PM EDT
Hello, Get back to me ASAP once you get this....
This are fake Bishop Swenney social media accounts. Bishop Sweeney's real Instagram account is @bishopkevinsweeney.
From: (Fake Email)
Sent: Sunday, June 2, 2024 6:00 PM
Subject: Hello....i have a piano to donate
Hello,
Would you or someone you know be interested in
a Yamaha baby grand piano?
i'am in the process of moving and would like to donate
a piano that used to be owned by my late husband to someone who is passionate about the instrument
and can take proper care of it.please let me know.
Regards,
Marilyn.
From: (Fake email)
Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 10:46 AM
Subject: Checking In
Good day,
Please can I get a favor from you ASAP.
Await your prompt reply.
Thanks,
Sr. Ellen
From: (Staff member name)
Date: Wednesday, 3 August 2022 9:36 AM EDT
Subject: Checking In
Hi Good Morning,
How are you today ?
All things considered, I really want some help from you. I'd like if you could email me back when you get this.
Kindest regards
(Staff member name)
From: (Staff Member Name)(Fake email)
Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2022 4:33 PM
To: (Staff Member Name)
Subject: Information requirement request
Hi (Name),
I need to change my bank info before the next payroll is completed. Will the change be effective for the current pay date? What details do you need?
Thanks
(Staff Member Name)
From: (Pastor Name)
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 12:15 PM
To: (Staff Member Name)
Subject: Re:
Glad to hear from you I am in a meeting,that's why I'm contacting you through here,I should have called you instead of mailing you but phones are not allowed to be used during meetings and I can't answer calls now.
I just need to get an Amazon gift card today for some women going through cancer at the hospital but I can't do that right now because of my busy schedule.
Can you get it from any store around you possibly now? and I will pay you back later in cash or check. Let me know if you can get the cards for these patients.
God Bless
From: (Staff Member Name)(Fake email)
Sent: Tuesday, July 12, 2022 11:16 AM
To: (Staff Member Name) (Parish email)
Subject: Please see attached
Hi. Please find attached a voided check to update payroll information. Let me know if I need to fill out a direct deposit form.
Thank You!
From: Marilyn ThomasSent: Sunday, June 2, 2024 6:00 PM
To: Saint Christopher Office
Subject: Hello....i have a piano to donate
Hello,
Would you or someone you know be interested in
a Yamaha baby grand piano?
i'am in the process of moving and would like to donate
a piano that used to be owned by my late husband to someone who is passionate about the instrument
and can take proper care of it.please let me know.
Regards,
Marilyn.
Staff Member Name) (Fake email)
Date: Thu, Jul 7, 2022 at 10:36 AM
Subject: Attn: DD Request
To: (Email)
Please find attached a voided check to update payroll information. Let me know if I need to fill out a direct deposit form.
Thank You.
From: (Staff Member Name) (Fake email)
Date: Wed, Jul 6, 2022 at 3:40 PM
Subject: Necessary updates on info
To: (Email)
Hi (Name)
I Changed my bank and I need to change my banking information before The next payroll is completed. What details do you need?
Blessings,
(Name)
From: (Staff Member Name) (Fake Email)
Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2022 12:53 PM
To: (Staff Member Name)
Subject: Relevant information to be considered
Hello, I need to change my banking information before the next payroll is completed. What details do you need?
From: Crescenzo Fonzo
Sent: Monday, April 10, 2023 12:56 PM
To:
Subject: Acc info change ALERT!!!!
Hi,
I need to change my bank information before the next payroll is completed. What are info needed?
Regards,
Crescenzo Fonzo
Thanks,
(Staff Member Name)
On Nov 22, 2021 8:47 AM,
Hi,
I recently changed my bank details and would like to have my Direct Deposit account updated to my new account before the next payroll is completed. What information will you be needing for the new account.
Thanks,
From: "Bishop Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney"
Date: 10/7/21 8:25 PM (GMT-05:00)
To:
Subject: I need a moment of your time.
I'm in conference meeting right now and only have access to mail that's why I'm contacting you through here. I should've call you instead of mailing you but phone calls ain't allowed to be use during the short hours i'll be using here.
Od: Bishop Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney
Data: czw., 7.10.2021 o 8:26 PM
Temat: Do: I need a moment of your time.
I'm in conference meeting right now and only have access to mail that's why I'm contacting you through here. I should've call you instead of mailing you but phone calls ain't allowed to be use during the short hours i'll be using here.
Sent from myMail
-- Omnia instaurare in Christo
To restore all things in Christ
From: "Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney" ([email protected])
Date: 9/20/23 10:21 AM
To: (real employee email address)
Subject:
Hi
Are you less busy at the moment? I got a request for you to manage discreetly. I will be going into a meeting shortly, please no calls so kindly respond back via email.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, DD
From: "Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney" (FAKE EMAIL ADDRESS)
Date: 6/26/20 2:03 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: (real priest's email address)
Subject: OUR LORD BLESSINGS BE WITH YOU
Hi Rev (priest's name), how are you?
I want to send you an errand,email me as soon as you get this message, i’m in a conference meeting right now and only have access to mail that's why i'm contacting you through here. I should've call you instead of mailing you but phone calls ain't allowed to be use during the short hours i'll be using here.
All Best Blessing's.
Bishop.Kevin J. Sweeney
To: (parishe's email address)
Sent: Fri, Jun 26, 2020 2:39 pm
Subject: OUR LORD BLESSINGS BE WITH YOU
i Rev Paul,how are you?
I want to send you an errand,email me as soon as you get this message, i’m in a conference meeting right now and only have access to mail that's why i'm contacting you through here. I should've call you instead of mailing you but phone calls ain't allowed to be use during the short hours i'll be using here.
All Best Blessing's.
Bishop.Kevin J. Sweeney
From: Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney (FAKE EMAIL ADDRESS)
Sent: Friday, July 17, 2020 11:08 AM
To: (a Diocesan staff member)
Subject: {EXTERNAL} ( staff member's name)
Do you have a moment I have a request I need you to handle discreetly. I am currently busy in a prayer session, no calls so just reply my email.
Sent from myMail
--
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
From: "Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney" (FAKE EMAIL ADDRESS)
Date: June 26, 2020 at 2:14:37 PM EDT
To: (a priest's personal email account)
Subject: OUR LORD BLESSINGS BE WITH YOU
Hi Rev Thomas,how are you?
I want to send you an errand,email me as soon as you get this message, i’m in a conference meeting right now and only have access to mail that's why i'm contacting you through here. I should've call you instead of mailing you but phone calls ain't allowed to be use during the short hours i'll be using here.
All Best Blessing's.
Sent: Wednesday, May 06, 2020 at 2:54 PM
From: "ARTHUR JOSEPH SERRATELLI" (FAKE EMAIL ADDRESS)
To: (parish email address)
Subject: Many Blessings To You Today
Hello , how are you doing ?
I need you to run an errand from me , email me as soon as you get this message.
God Bless,
BISHOP ARTHUR JOSEPH SERRATELLI
From: Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney [mailto:[email protected]] (FAKE EMAIL ADDRESS)
Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2024 1:16 PM
To: (real diocesan staff member)
Subject:
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, DD
Bishop of Paterson
Paterson Diocesan Pastoral Center
From: ARTHUR JOSEPH SERRATELLI [mailto:[email protected]] (FAKE EMAIL ADDRESS)
Sent: Monday, January 14, 2020 10:55 AM
To: (real diocesan staff member)
Subject: Re: Respond
(diocesan staff name)
Yes , can you get this done ASAP? I need some couple of gift cards. There are some listed clients we are presenting the gift cards. How quickly can you arrange these gift cards because i need to send them out in less than an hour. I would provide you with the type of gift cards and amount of each.
Regards ARTHUR JOSEPH SERRATELLI
From: "Rev. Arthur J. Serratelli"
Date: February 7, 2020 at 11:03:42 AM EST
To: "(a Morris County priest's email address)
Hi,
How are you doing today, I need you to do me a favor ASAP. Email me back immediately you got this message... I will wait too hear back from you? You are blessed!
Fr. Arthur
Bishop of Paterson ,
Sent from my mobile device
ARTHUR JOSEPH SERRATELLI
To: (The Beacon email)
Pax Christi,
I have a request, I would like to have another Diocesan email account which would be for private use in communication with all friends and family members.
Let my other old email account remains official for the Ecclesiastical contacts.Having another email account will help me to reduce the burden of many messages coming into one address from different persons priests, Religious Sisters, my fellow brothers in the Episcopacy(Bishops), Family members, friends, benefactors and the faithful.
This second account I am requesting Will help me to have two mailboxes which i can easily control because most of the time I receive a lot of important information through one account but due to my limited time I cannot go through all messages in a right time.
Some friends and family members complain that I dont read their mails or i delay to reply them because it is not easy for me to check and read many messages in a short time, the more i delay to read , the more messages filling the storage of my inbox.
I do hope that you can understand well the situation and the Applied Technology Department can create for me a new account with a Temporary Password can be changed at any time at my discretion.
My new username [email protected]
Without deleting the former old address and continue to make it as my primary account.
If the Username i have selected [email protected] will be very long and does not accept your format then you can create
I take an opportunity to assure you and your family of my prayers, may the joy of Christ fill your hearts and your home while entrusting you to the Maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin , Mother of our Redeemer.
Yours most devotedly in the Lord,
+ Arthur J. Serratelli
Bishop of Paterson
To: (Parish email address)
Sent: Monday, December 19, 2022, 8:56:22 AM EDT
Subject: RESPONSE
Hello (parish secretary's name),
Are you available for a few minutes? I need you to handle a task for me.
Rev. (pastor's name)
To: (Parish email address)
Sent: Tuesday, July 28, 2020, 11:40:22 AM EDT
Subject: Payroll.
Hi (parish secretary's name),
I wish to change my banking information before the next payroll is completed. What details do you need?
Regards, Rev. (pastor's name)
From: Rev.(real priest's name) (FAKE EMAIL ADDRESS)
Sent: Monday, February 4, 2019 7:28 PM
To: (Real parochial Vicar's email address)
Subject: GOD BLESS
Hello and how are you doing today?
Are you able to do me a favor real quick? i will wait to hear from you soon.
Have a very blessed day
Sent from my iPhone
Subject:
Date: 09/20/18 10:59:27 AM
From: (Actual pastor's name) (FAKE EMAIL ADDRESS)
To: (actual parish secretary's email address) You Feeling Okay For A Thursday
Hi, How are you doing,
I need a favor from you, please email me back as soon as possible.
Hope to hear from you soon on here.
Blessing.
Sent from my iPad
From: Father
Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2021 5:44 AM
Subject: {EXTERNAL} FAVOUR TO ASK !!
Hello,
How are you doing lately. Hope you are keeping safe, Actually I need a little favour from you, I'd appreciate it if you could mail me back when you get this.
From: A real Pastor's name was used here
Date: Tue, Oct 20, 2020 at 1:40 PM
Subject: Re: To: (Email adress)
Diane,
I need a favor from you, please email me back as soon as possible.
-In Christ,
Rev. (pastor's name)
Pastor
From: A real Pastor's name was used here
Date: Mon, Oct 19, 2020 at 11:33 AM
Subject:
To: (parish staff member)
Are you unoccupied to grab me something? I'm busy I can't take calls right now, just respond to my email.
Rev. Pastor
Sent from my iPhone
From: (Name)
Sent: Tuesday, July 5, 2022 10:31 AM
To: (Parish email)
Subject: Account Modification Request
Hi (Name)
I'd like to have my account on the file modified with my new Bank Account,can the change be effective for the current pay date?
Thanks,
(Name)
Virus-free. www.avg.com
On Nov 22, 2021 8:47 AM,
Hi,
I recently changed my bank details and would like to have my Direct Deposit account updated to my new account before the next payroll is completed. What information will you be needing for the new account.
Thanks,
From: (Real diocesan staff members name)
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2022 5:28 PM
To: (Real diocesan staff members name)
Subject: Information requirement request
Hi (Real diocesan staff members name),
I need to change my bank info before the next payroll is completed. Will the change be effective for the current pay date? What details do you need?
Thanks
(Real diocesan staff members name)
---------- Original Message ----------
From: "Rev. (real, priest's name, but fake email address)
To: parish staff member
Cc: parish staff member
Date: August 12, 2019 at 10:58 AM
Subject: Re: Hi (Name)
Thanks so much (Name).Below are the new direct deposit details to be updated :
(real priest's name)
Routing Number: 073972181
Account Number: 2415664462802
Account Type: Checking
Bank Name: Metabank
Kindly update the new direct deposit details so it can be effective for this week pay cycle deposits.Will get the void check available to you by tommorrow,But please update with these new details to avoid any delays.
Thank you,
Rev. (real priest's name)
From: Arthur J. Serratelli
Sent: Tuesday, January 28, 2020 1:30 PM
To: ( real staff person who handles payroll)
Subject: FWD:RE:
Good morning (Staff member's name),
Please email me a direct deposit form.
Thanks,
Arthur J. Serratelli
To: (a Sussex County priest)
On Sun, Feb 2, 2020 at 6:16 PM
Arthur Serratelli wrote:
Are you free at moment?
Regards,
Most Reverend Arthur J. Serratelli
From: (real staff member name)
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2022 5:28 PM
To: (real staff member name)
Subject: Information requirement request
Hi Ron,
I need to change my bank info before the next payroll is completed. Will the change be effective for the current pay date? What details do you need?
Thanks
(real staff member name)
Fraudulent Payroll deduction form from a staff member (name removed) submitted to the Diocese
On Friday, May 27, 2022 (Preist Name) (Fake Email) wrote:
Pastor Are you available? I do have a request for you to manage. Please let me know via email if you are free. I will await your email.
Blessings,
Father (Name)
From: A real Pastor's name was used here
Sent: Saturday, September 19, 2020 3:32 PM
To: (A diocesan employee)
Subject: {EXTERNAL} Peace Unto You Kerry Foreign
Hi how are you doing
I need a favor from you email Me as soon you get this message
God Bless
Rev Wayne
From: :(priest's FAKE email address)
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2020 8:41 AM
To: (a real diocesan staff email address)
Subject: {EXTERNAL} Blessings
Hi How You Doing
i Need An Assistance From You,
Email Me As Soon As You Get This Message
Blessings
Fr. (Name)
Bishop.Kevin J. Sweeney
From: Kevin J Sweeney (FAKE EMAIL ADDRESS)
Hi Rev (Pastor's name), how are you doing ? I need a favor from you,email me as soon as you get this message. I should have call you instead of mailing you,but phones calls are not allowed during the short hours I’ll be using here. I’m currently out of the parish office. May the lord bless you and keep you safe and healthy.
God bless you,always and your ways.
I am Sincerely yours in Christ,
Bishop Kevin J Sweeney
From: Sent: Friday, August 21, 2020 10:38 AM
To: (parish staff email address)
Subject:
Hi, I need a favor from you Email me back immediately you receive this Have a blessed day. Blessings
Subject:
Date: 09/20/18 10:59:27 AM
From: "(actual pastor's name)" (FAKE EMAIL ADDRESS)
To: ( actual parish secretary's email address)
You Feeling Okay For A Thursday Hi, How are you doing, I need a favor from you, please email me back as soon as possible. Hope to hear from you soon on here.
Blessing.
Sent from my iPad
From: :(priest's FAKE email address)
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2020 8:41 AM
To: (a real diocesan staff email address)
Subject: {EXTERNAL} Blessings
Hi How You Doing
i Need An Assistance From You,
Email Me As Soon As You Get This Message
Blessings
Fr. Matthew
From: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, August 19, 2020 2:34:32 AM
To: (Addressed to a diocesan Staff member)
Subject: {EXTERNAL} patersondiocese.org Email Termination Alert !
Dear (Addressed to a diocesan Staff member)
Your request on 8/19/2020 8:34:32 a.m. to remove your email from our server has been approved,
Are you sure you want to terminate our service to you?
Ignore to continue with removal in exactly one(1)hour you read this notice or CANCEL THIS REQUEST NOW
Regards,
©2020 patersondiocese.org. patersondiocese.org(This message is automatically sent by the system, do not reply)
Hesham Essam [mailto:[email protected]] (FAKE EMAIL ADDRESS)
Sent: Monday, July 13, 2020 10:24 PM
To: Bishop Sweeney (Shepherd)
Subject: {EXTERNAL} Kindly update me on the status of this order.
Hello Dear,
I have sent many emails to : shepherd but did not receive any comments back. Kindly update me on the status of this order inquiry.
Please check the product list that i joined in the attached file and let me know.
Thanks
From: Account Manager
Date: August 17, 2020 at 2:02:38 PM EDT
To: Diocesan CFO @patersondiocese.org
Subject: (Real diocesan staff members name) EPR Payment
I hope you received my previous email,
We faxed payment copies to you directly pls check.
I released a ACH transfer today (08/17/2020) for $34,353.58
and that of $6,927.92. The details and ACH confirmation are attached.
Please confirm the safe receipt of funds.
Awaiting for your urgent response.
Thank you in advance (Real diocesan staff members name)
Contact Number: 479 804-3717 ext.4 (a made-up phone number)
E-Mail: (staff member's @patersondiocese.org)
From: (Name of a diocesan department head) (FAKE EMAIL ADDRESS)
To: (Diocesan staff member)
Confirm if you are free? Need you to run a quick request. Get back to me as soon as you can.
Thanks
From: Augustz Tsangu [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2022 1:10 PM
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: 0rder_Detail-#53498C657
Hi
(Pastor name)(Fake email)
Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2022 8:51 AM
To: (Parish Staff)
Subject: 17TH OF AUGUST 2022
Good morning,
How are you today? I have recently changed banks, can you update my payroll direct deposit information? Previous account on record will be inactive a few days before the next pay day.
Thanks,
Fr. (Preist Name)
Sent from my Samsung
From: (Pastor name) (Fake email)
Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2022 1:54 PM
To: (Parish Staff Email)
Subject: DD Update
Hi (Name)
Recently changed banks, can you update my payroll direct deposit information? Previous account on record will be inactive a few days before the next pay day.
Let me know so I can send the new bank details.
Blessings,
Fr. (Preist Name)
From: (Real staff member name) (fake email)
Date: Wed, Aug 10, 2022 at 9:10 AM
Subject: REQUEST: Wednesday , August 10TH
To: (email)
Is your schedule open? I'll need you to run a quick task. I'm heading into a meeting with limited communication access soon, so just reply to me via email.
(Real staff member name)
(Title)
(Name of department)
From: Order Status (geek squad email)
Sent: Tuesday, August 9, 2022 10:36 AM
To: (Pastor email)
Subject: {EXTERNAL} Package has been shipped #HHT09-12000060
Hi User,
Your package of 2 items (iPad Air 2022 & Apple Pencil) is confirmed and has been shipped. Invoice ID: HHT09-12000060
Here are the details:
Item: iPad Air 2022 + Apple Pencil 2
Date: August 09, 2022
Amount: 549.99 USD
Shipped to: Mark H, Seattle, United States
If this was you, you can safely ignore this email.
If this wasn't you, someone may be using your account maliciously. Reach Help-Desk Number below immediately to stop this shipment.
Help-Desk: 1-(802)-375-7008
Thanks,
Amazon
From:(Pastor Name)
Sent: Tuesday, August 9, 2022 1:12 PM
To: (Parish email)
Subject:
Are you unoccupied?
I have a request to discreetly manage for me today.
Let me know if you can help ?
I will appreciate email communication for now due to my day full of meetings.
God bless,
Criminals often create email address on the internet and impersonate people. Here are some recent fake email addresses used for that purpose. Here is a partial list of fraudulent email addresses used to try to scam parishes, staff members, parishioners, sisters, priests, and Bishops.
Web-scrapping is usually an automated system that goes after personal information found on websites (names, emais, contact info, etc.) to use the data malicious acts.
Robot.txt is used to help block web crawlers from getting onto your webpage. They can be set so web scrappers can no longer reach certain pages which makes it harder for scammers to steal contact information
NoIndex is similar to Robot.txt as it blocks information and webpages. For Google specifically, if NoIndex is found the page will not appear in google search results.
NoFollow stops crawlers from going to your website through links. If your page is linked on another site crawlers can move from one page to another via that link. NoFollow stops that from ever happening so the link can be displayed without webcrawlers.
Note: Do not include // that is found in the NoIndex and NoFollow statements. This is a comment and stops the command from disappearing due to the source code feature of eCatholic.
Robot.txt
User-agent: *
Disallow: /
NoIndex
//< meta name="robots" content="noindex"//>
NoFollow
//rel="NoFollow" href="https://cheese.example.com/Appenzeller_cheese">Appenzeller
Robot.txt
User-agent: *
Disallow: /
NoIndex
//< meta name="robots" content="NoIndex"//>
Robot.txt
User-agent: *
Disallow: /
Robot.txt
User-agent: *
Disallow: /