Urgent Security Alert – AI-Generated WhatsApp Scam Targeting Parishioners

Dear Fathers and colleagues,

We would like to make you aware of a new type of scam that is now targeting individuals within our parish communities through WhatsApp.

Cyber criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to create convincing videos, voice messages and written communications while impersonating members of the clergy. Their aim is to deceive unsuspecting individuals into believing they are communicating with a priest, bishop, or other Parish representative before requesting money or donations.

Attached are examples of a recent scam that has come to our attention. The material includes:

  • An AI-generated video depicting the Archbishop.
  • A fake WhatsApp conversation.
  • A request for a financial donation.

These examples are entirely fraudulent and have been created to persuade recipients that they are communicating with the Archbishop personally. Similar techniques could be used to impersonate any member of the clergy.

We ask that you please remain vigilant and remind your parishioners to do the same. In particular, please encourage them to:

  • Never assume that a WhatsApp message or video is genuine simply because it appears to come from a member of the clergy.
  • Never send money, gift cards or bank details in response to unsolicited requests received via WhatsApp or other messaging platforms.
  • Always verify the identity of the sender by contacting the priest or parish directly using a known telephone number or official email address before responding to any request.
  • Report any suspicious messages and the phone numbers to Action Fraud https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/.

We would be grateful if you could make an announcement at Masses and through your parish communications to raise awareness of this emerging threat. The more people who are aware of these scams, the less likely they are to become victims.

Please help us spread this warning as widely as possible throughout your parish communities, particularly among those who may be more vulnerable to this type of fraud.

Thank you for your assistance in helping to protect our parishioners.

Kind regards,
Daniel K Prasanna | Director of ICT 
Diocese of Westminster 
Vaughan House, 46 Francis Street, London – SW1P 1QN
Tel:  (020) 7798 9164
Mob: 079 4752 8245
Mob: 078 0363 4231
Fax:  (020) 7798 9011 

Fake Message 1
Fake Message 2
Arch Bishop Fake Video