🚨 Fraud Friday Warning: Scammers Posing as Church Staff Ask Congregation Members for Gift Cards

🏦 A fraud-awareness reminder from the SHAZAM network, shared by the account tied to SHAZAM ATM at First Farmers & Commercial Bank in Dunlap, Tennessee, urges account holders and church members across the Sequatchie Valley and Cumberland Plateau edge communities to watch for suspicious messages that appear to come from religious leaders.

📣 What the Warning Says

According to the post, scammers are posing as clergy or other church staff and contacting congregation members by text or email to request money. The message describes requests for immediate financial help delivered through gift cards, a common pattern in impersonation scams.

📱 The post was published on November 13, 2026, and includes a “Fraud Friday” graphic that reminds account holders to be cautious of unexpected emails or texts.

❤️ Why It Matters to Local Congregations

Churches are often close-knit places where members trust one another and respond quickly when a pastor or leader asks for help. That trust is exactly what the post says scammers are exploiting. A message that looks like it came from a familiar church leader can prompt people to act before they stop to verify it.

🙏 Area churches, from small congregations to larger ones, may want to share this reminder with members, especially those who handle church finances or who are regularly in contact with leadership by text or email.

💡 What Residents Should Know

🔍 The core message is simple: be cautious of unexpected messages from church leaders that ask for immediate financial assistance, particularly when gift cards are involved. Before sending money, people can take time to confirm the request through a phone number or contact they already know to be legitimate.

🏪 The post comes from the SHAZAM network, and the account is tied to SHAZAM ATM at First Farmers & Commercial Bank, located at 16893 Rankin Avenue North in Dunlap, Tennessee. The business’s listing describes it as offering around-the-clock access to banking services in downtown Dunlap.

Readers who have questions about this advisory can contact the bank’s listed phone number, (423) 949-8100.