[Last Updated 15/10/2013]

By ACNS staff

Anglicans and Episcopalians around the world are being warned to be vigilant after scammers pretending to be Anglican Communion Primates have asked for money. 

People in countries as far apart as Jamaica, the USA, South Africa and Australia have received emails, text messages and even phonecalls from people claiming to be Primates, members of the Anglican Alliance or of international Anglican networks. 

In some cases the fraudsters have claimed to be Archbishop of the Church of the Province of Central Africa Albert Chama, Primate of The Episcopal Church in the Philippines Edward Malecdan stuck at an airport en route to meet a relative, or Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa Thabo Makgoba. On other occasions people are invited to come and speak at conferences. 

On each occasion the communication ends in a request for money to be sent to the caller, perhaps to pay for additional transport costs, visa charges or a contribution towards the cost of the conference. 

Director for Communciations at the Anglican Communion Office, Jan Butter warned Anglicans and Episcopalians worldwide to be on their guard: "Most people who received these requests have suspected they were scams and ignored them, or contacted the Provinces concerned to verify the claims, " he said.

"However these criminals can sound very convincing and several parties have sent money, with one organisation handing over $1,500."

Mr Butter recommended that anyone who gets such an out-of-the-blue request should think very carefully before taking any action.

"Most Primates already have well-established contacts in many places around the world they would contact in an emergency. Most bona fide conference organisers would not invite you to participate and then ask you to pay. Before you do anything, contact. If in doubt, contact someone who could back up the caller's claim."