The Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta is warning members to beware of an email scam circulating in the area.

According to a notice from the diocese, the scammers try to get money or personal information. They may appear to be legitimate and may even pose as a person or organization affiliated with the  clergy or parish.

A spokesman said there have been reports from several parishes about the scam and warned that the emails have become more sophisticated.

“If you have recently received an unusual email from a parish leader requesting gift cards or money it could be part of a scam,” according to the diocese.

To avoid becoming a victim, the diocese recommends members carefully check the sender’s name and email address; look for misspelled words or incorrect grammar; don’t click on suspicious links or attachments; and to report the email as spam.

To report a scam, contact the Federal Trade Commission’s consumer response center  at 1-877- 382-4357 or go to www.ftc.gov/complaint.

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Angie McBrayer, ex-wife of James Aaron McBrayer, leans her head on her son Sam McBrayer as she and her three children and two grandchildren (from left) Jackson McBrayer, 3, Piper Jae McBrayer, 7, Katy Isaza, and Jordan McBrayer, visit the grave of James McBrayer, Thursday, November 20, 2025, in Tifton. He died after being restrained by Tift County sheriff's deputies on April 24, 2019. His ex-wife witnessed the arrest and said she thought the deputies were being rough but did not imagine that McBrayer would die. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC