Phishing Scam Targets BCA Sangha Members

Emails ‘Sent’ From Ministers Seek Money, Gift Cards, Info

For the past few months, a series of fraudulent emails that appear to come from BCA ministers have been sent to Sangha members — asking for money, gift cards and personal information. 

In reality, these emails originate from unknown email addresses. These emails may instruct recipients not to call the minister and to respond only via email, claiming the matter is urgent and confidential — such as surprising temple members with a gift.

These emails are not from the BCA ministers. This is a phishing scam creating fake email addresses using the minister’s names. 

Please be aware that ministers will never ask for gift cards or money via email.

Take the following steps if you receive a fraudulent email:

• Do not respond or click on any links, as this may compromise your security.

• Do not send any money or gift cards or give out any personal information.

• Delete the message and block the email address.

• Go to the BCA website, https://www.buddhistchurchesofamerica.org/,  to look up email addresses for temples and ministers.

• If in doubt, call the minister or temple office directly to verify the email’s authenticity.

If the email is determined to be fraudulent, you may file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at IC3.gov

These scams often target older individuals and timely reporting is crucial, as cybercrimes involving victims over 60 can result in stiffer penalties.

If you responded to the phishing email, the unethical person has your personal and financial information. Go to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s website: https://www.identitytheft.gov/

There are steps you can take based on the information that you lost.

The phishing scam has also targeted the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, which is urging its Sangha members to remain vigilant and to report the fraudulent emails.