From the Ops Desk
Scam Warning
Recently, pastors at Crossway Baptist Church had their voices cloned using AI and used in scam phone calls. The call showed the pastor’s real number, and the voice answered in real time. The aim was to get money.
Churches run on trust and generosity, which makes impersonation scams especially damaging.
Every congregation should be ready.
What’s happening?
Scammers can copy a voice from a short clip, such as a sermon or a social media video, and spoof caller ID so the real number appears on the phone. Don’t rely on the number or on how familiar the voice sounds as these are easily manipulated. The scammers might have also compromised some chat history, so they may even have historical context for the call.
A warning message to share with your congregation:
“IMPORTANT: Voice Scam Warning
Pastors’ voices are being cloned using AI and used in scam calls. The number on your phone may look exactly like your pastor’s, and the voice will sound like them in real time.
No pastor at our church will ever call you and ask for money.
If either happens, or already has, please hang up and report it to the church office.”
What church members can do:
Together, in Him
Nicole
Churches run on trust and generosity, which makes impersonation scams especially damaging.
Every congregation should be ready.
What’s happening?
Scammers can copy a voice from a short clip, such as a sermon or a social media video, and spoof caller ID so the real number appears on the phone. Don’t rely on the number or on how familiar the voice sounds as these are easily manipulated. The scammers might have also compromised some chat history, so they may even have historical context for the call.
A warning message to share with your congregation:
“IMPORTANT: Voice Scam Warning
Pastors’ voices are being cloned using AI and used in scam calls. The number on your phone may look exactly like your pastor’s, and the voice will sound like them in real time.
No pastor at our church will ever call you and ask for money.
If either happens, or already has, please hang up and report it to the church office.”
What church members can do:
- Hang up and call back on a number you already know, or through the church office.
- Be wary of urgency and secrecy. Pressure to act now, or to keep the call quiet, is a classic scam sign.
- Never pay by gift card, crypto or wire transfer.
- Report it to church leadership, Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) and your bank if money was sent.
Together, in Him
Nicole