Scammers and fraudsters are targeting Christians – here’s 7 ways to keep yourself safe

Criminals have been posing as Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, and defrauding Christians. Following the recent spate of scams, Abi Thomas speaks to a cyber security expert, who shares his top tips for staying safe online

A fresh round of scams targeting churches has been highlighted by the Diocese of York. Criminals posing as church leaders, church warders or even the Archbishop of York have been asking people to send them Amazon vouchers or money via Western Union or MoneyGram, with reports of people losing hundreds of pounds.

Rev Tim Edwards from Halstead in Kent is one vicar who has been imitated frequently by fraudsters. Members of his congregation, including his own wife, have regularly been contacted by scammers posing as him and asking for money. It’s not always clear how the criminals got their contact details.