Saint Martha Catholic Church issued the following announcement on March 26.

Fake organization

The Archdiocese of Miami has been alerted regarding door-to- door solicitors presenting themselves as seminarians and members of a religious organization called Mary Queen of the Third Millennium, Inc., soliciting funds. Sometimes carrying a statue of Our Lady, they may ask to pray in one’s home, offer to bless the house and then ask individuals to sign papers allowing them to make automatic withdrawals from their bank accounts.

This organization does not appear to be legitimate and is neither approved nor affiliated with the Archdiocese of Miami or its seminaries.

If anyone has been victimized, please report it to the State of Florida Consumer Services Hotline, 1-800 435-7352.

Revived email scam targets parishioners

The Archdiocese of Miami has been hearing reports of people receiving emails from scammers impersonating clergy, asking for gift cards "for some women going through cancer at the hospital."

This is the latest variation of texts and emails, also purporting to be from pastors or clergy, that began circulating in the U.S. back in April 2019. Requests for money are done only in churches or through collections approved by the archdiocese. Clergy also would never ask for gift cards or for people to verify personal information online. If you, your friends or family have received emails or texts like this, please do not open the attachment and do not respond. Report the email or text as spam and delete it.

You also can report the scam to Florida’s Consumer Protection Division by visiting www.myfloridalegal.com and filling out a complaint form, or calling the Fraud Hotline, 1-866-966-7226.

That same office also is warning about scams related to the coronavirus outbreak. Read more here: https://bit.ly/2WDYiJx

Original source can be found here.