S𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 P𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 P𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫 in 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 C𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡 S𝐜𝐚𝐦

The Garrett County Sheriff’s Office is warning local citizens of a scam that targeted a local pastor and church congregation in the Oakland area. The individual created a fictitious email using the Pastor’s name in the email address. The individual then posed as the pastor of the church through email and contacted persons in the congregation seeking money to help others in need. The individual directed persons in the congregation to obtain gift cards and then provide the card information. The Garrett County Sheriff’s Office is warning citizens that any person requesting gift cards is a scam. Furthermore, citizens are advised to always verify identity of any person contacting them.