Synod Alert: Sophisticated Scam Targets GCS Rostered Minister
A rostered minister in our synod recently experienced a frightening and sophisticated scam involving an artificial intelligence–generated voice that convincingly mimicked a loved one in distress. The caller claimed to have abducted their spouse and demanded money for release. For over three hours, the pastor tried to secure their loved one’s safety before discovering the call was fraudulent. Thankfully, no one was harmed, and the congregation was not impacted—but the experience was deeply traumatic.
This kind of scam is part of a growing wave of “AI voice” or “virtual kidnapping” schemes that use recorded or simulated voices, sometimes scraped from social media, to manipulate victims into sending money under urgent emotional pressure. These scams are increasingly targeting clergy, nonprofit leaders, and professionals whose contact information is public.
As Christians called to care for one another, we can take practical steps to protect ourselves and our communities. Here are key precautions and resources:
Pause and verify. If you receive a distressing call, hang up and try to contact your loved one directly. Don’t respond to the caller’s demands.
Do not send money or gift cards. Legitimate agencies will never demand payment over the phone.
Report immediately. Contact local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Protect your online presence. Limit how much personal information and voice content you share publicly, including on social media.
Inform your congregation. Churches and ministries can be proactive by including scam awareness reminders in newsletters or announcements.
The synod office encourages all leaders to stay alert and share verified information with one another. Scams often evolve quickly, but awareness and communication are powerful defenses.
For additional resources on identifying and responding to scams:
This rostered minister shared that, while the experience was deeply distressing, the support of colleagues and friends has been a source of strength. Their hope is that others will learn from this incident and remain alert. Let us keep one another in prayer and vigilance as we navigate a world where technology can imitate compassion but never replace it.
