Cranston Pastor Warns of Email Scam Targeting Parishioners

Scammer impersonated priest, asked for gift card donations

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:49pm

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The pastor of Holy Apostles Parish in Cranston, Rhode Island, Father William Ledoux, has warned parishioners about an email scam where a perpetrator impersonated him and asked for gift card donations. Ledoux said the church found no evidence of a data breach, and he would never email parishioners requesting gift cards.

Why it matters

This scam targets a vulnerable population - churchgoers - and attempts to take advantage of their trust in their religious leader. It highlights the need for increased vigilance against phishing and impersonation scams, especially those that prey on people's faith and generosity.

The details

According to the report, parishioners alerted Father Ledoux on Ash Wednesday after receiving messages that asked for donations in the form of a gift card. The church checked its IT system and found no evidence of a data breach, but Ledoux wants people to know he would never email parishioners asking for gift cards.

  • On Ash Wednesday, parishioners received the scam emails.

The players

Father William Ledoux

The pastor of Holy Apostles Parish in Cranston, Rhode Island.

Holy Apostles Parish

The church where Father Ledoux is the pastor, located in Cranston, Rhode Island.

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What they’re saying

“Ledoux said the church checked its IT system and found no evidence of a data breach, but wants people to know he would never email parishioners asking for gift cards.”

— Father William Ledoux, Pastor

The takeaway

This scam highlights the need for increased vigilance against phishing and impersonation scams, especially those that target vulnerable populations like churchgoers and attempt to take advantage of their trust in religious leaders.