WESLACO – Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a consumer alert on Friday in regards to fake texts from people pretending to be church leaders.  

People claiming to be priests or pastors are asking members of the church to purchase gift cards for a fake charitable cause.

They first request that a gift card be purchased and that the information from that card be sent over.

They then claim they’re needed for a charitable reason but insist they cannot pick up the cards and the purchaser will be reimbursed.  

“All Texans should be aware of unsolicited calls and texts from scammers impersonating leaders in their church. This is a dirty trick criminals are using to make a quick buck at the expense of people of faith,” says Paxton.

The office believes the impostors are using information within the church found on websites or online bulletins.

To report suspected fraud, call 1-800-621-0508 or go online.