AI Scams Using Fake Pastors

A Quick Safety Note

Hi Chapel Hill family,

We want to make you aware of a new kind of scam that is affecting churches across the country—and has already shown up here from time to time.

Scammers are now using artificial intelligence (AI) to copy a pastor’s voice (and sometimes video) from sermons, livestreams, or social media. They then contact people pretending to be that pastor and ask for money, gift cards, or special donations. Because the voice or video can sound and look real, these scams can be very convincing—especially when the message feels urgent or emotional.

Please remember this simple rule: Chapel Hill pastors and staff will never contact you out of the blue to ask for money, gift cards, or urgent private help. Real giving opportunities will always go through our normal, public, and secure church channels.

If you ever receive a surprising message that claims to be from a pastor or church leader:

pause and don’t act right away
don’t click any links or send money
hang up or stop replying
contact the church office or speak with us directly to check

This is especially important to share with parents, grandparents, and anyone who may be more vulnerable to scams.

If you want to learn more about how these scams work and how to protect yourself, the FBI has a helpful guide here.

And if you ever think you’ve received one of these scam messages, please let us know right away.

Thank you for helping us look out for one another.

Ellis

Rev. Ellis White
Senior Pastor