It has come to our attention that folks within the diocese have been receiving suspicious emails from “Bishop Logan.” These emails are often addressed directly to the recipient by name, and have subject titles such as “Can you do me a favour?” or “Hello <your name>”. The emails are often very casual and ask the recipient if they can pick up some gift cards, buy gift cards online, or transfer financial information.

 

These emails are fraudulent and are NOT from Bishop Logan.

 

Information on these fraudulent emails:

 

How do I know if an email is fraudulent or really from the bishop?

While the name in the “From:” field may say “Logan McMenamie,” pay attention to the actual email address. Bishop Logan will ONLY send emails frombishop@bc.anglican.ca. If the actual email address is anything else, the email is fraudulent. Also, please consider the nature of the request. Bishop Logan will never ask you to make purchases on his behalf or on behalf of the diocese, especially in the form of gift cards.

 

What should I do if I get a fraudulent email?

Please just block the sender by right-clicking on the message, scrolling down the menu to “Junk,” and clicking “Block Sender.”  DO NOT respond to the sender.

 

Has the bishop’s email been hacked?

No. These scam artists have identified the bishop as the head of our organization via the Diocesan website, and they are targeting staff and parishes in the hopes that we may see his name and fulfill their requests. They are simply using his name and they have no access to his email or information. Please note: this method could also be used on your own parish via your website (i.e. emails sent to your staff or volunteers using your name). Please be sure to educate your community about this scam technique.

 

Is the diocesan email system secure? Are our websites secure? Do I have to worry about viruses?

The diocesan email system is fully secure, our websites are fully secure, and there is no risk of viruses via this scam-method. The scam-artists are simply using public information to trick people into giving them money. They have no access to our website or our email system.

 

A Good General Rule:

Please educate your own staff and volunteers that, in general, if anyone makes requests by email for financial information or online purchases, it’s good practice to double-check the validity of the request. Only fulfill such a request if you have already spoken to this person by phone or in person and agreed upon the purchase. Even if you have agreed to make a purchase with a person you know and trust, please, NEVER send sensitive information by email; this includes bank information, login information, passwords, personal information, gift card numbers, etc. You can learn more about online risks at this wonderful resource from the Government of Canada: “Get Cyber Safe”