Monsignor Lincoln says his name was used in bogus text fundraising effort
The texts shown in the copy were sent last week to a retired teacher, who once taught at Sacred Heart School in Palm Desert.
The first, reads in part, “Hello it’s Father Howard. I need a favor from you.”
The man known to many as Father Howard, but now Monsignor Howard, at Sacred Heart Church, says the messages are not from him, but someone using his name.
“It sickens me that someone would do that, to me it’s despicable, unconscionable to hurt people like that,” said Lincoln.
The texts continue, reading in part, “I need to get a google play gift cards of 500.00 for my friend going through cancer in the hospital”.
The texts end with “can you please get that for me”.
“I get very worried that people will look at that and say, OK, we want to help the priest, lets give us the money,” said Lincoln.
The Monsignor says the retired teacher who received the texts did not fall for it, and he is not aware of anyone else who who may have received the messages.
The church leader says this is fourth time, that he is aware of, that his name has been used in such a scam.
“Again, they’re using my name, hurting my people, reaching out to people who know us or attend our church,” said Lincoln.
The Monsignor says he believes the scammers used the church bulletin to get phone numbers and names.
Monsignor Lincoln says he has made it clear to the church congreation that he will never ask for money using texts, phone or email.
The pulpit in church, during mass, is the only place and time that Lincoln says is when he makes appeals for financial support.
After seeing the texts, Lincoln says he and his staff contacted the Federal Trade Commission and local police, but says he was told there was nothing authorities could do to stop the scam.
Now, the parish leader says he simply wants people to be aware.
“It is sad that ethics, morality, and principle used to be in place. They seem to be diminishing with time.”
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department says you should file a report if and when you receive a fundraising text that you believe is fraudulent.
