The ongoing remote world we’re living in has many of us getting used to doing more of our activities virtually. When we can’t be face to face, it makes for rich targets for adept scammers.

One trending scam is when a criminal impersonates clergy. The crook spoofs the email address of a given faith leader and sends a message to a congregant requesting a favor. They will claim they are busy or out of town and just need you to purchase a dozen gift cards to be used to help congregants in need. All you need to do is buy them (say, $100 each) and email a picture of the front and back of the cards. And of course, you will be reimbursed.

If you’re ever asked to do a favor like this, take a pause and think, “Would this person really ask me to do this?” Contact the person yourself and get validation they are who they say they are. And if the request was for gift cards, you’ll learn it was a scam attempt.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

Visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 1-877-908-3360 to report a scam or get help if you’ve fallen victim.