Any email from frboniface.stjosephgv@gmail.com IS A SCAM. That is not my email address, and any message from that address is not from me. The person is asking for gift cards – do not give him any.
Any real email from a friar ends in “opeast.org”, and any real email from someone on the parish staff ends in “stjosephgv.nyc”.
Sorry for any confusion this may have caused.
God Bless,
Fr. Boniface Endorf Pastor
Dear Fellow Parishioners,
The situation that Fr. Boniface is referring to is a “phishing scam” and seems to be a “spear phishing scam” in particular. Spear phishing is a situation where the scammer pretends to be someone you know (typically a boss or important colleague) and attempts to use your existing relationship to get you to do something — give a password, send money, etc.
The best defense against such scams is education. I urge you to learn more about how these scams work so that you can keep yourselves safe. The following videos are an easy way to start.The first one gives an overview (3 min) of phishing. The second focuses on spear phishing (2.5 min).
Finally, here are some whitepapers you can read for more information: