She Thought Her Pastor Needed Gift Cards — A Scam Cost Her $24,000

A Texas community volunteer, Kathy Adamo, lost roughly $24,000 after responding to an email she believed came from her pastor and purchasing gift cards to distribute to church volunteers. The scammer who impersonated the pastor later sent a $38,000 reimbursement check that proved to be counterfeit.

Adamo, a longtime volunteer with a local food bank, the Lions Club, the Red Cross and her church in Grimes County, told KBTX that she acted out of a desire to help. "I thought I was helping my pastor and I would do anything for him," she said.

The request arrived by email and described a project to distribute gift cards to people supporting the church. The impersonator instructed Adamo to buy gift cards — first $100 denominations, then $500 — and to photograph the front and back of each card and email the images to him. That requirement gave her pause; she normally hands over the physical card and receipt when she gives a gift card. But she rationalized that different groups do things differently and continued to send the photos.

"I thought I was helping my pastor and I would do anything for him." — Kathy Adamo

The Federal Trade Commission warns that photographs exposing a card number and PIN can allow scammers to drain the balance while the purchaser still physically holds the card. The impersonator then presented a $38,000 check as reimbursement and even offered extra money to help cover Adamo's own bills. She deposited the check at a Wells Fargo branch, but the bank called a few hours later to say the check was fake.

How These Scams Work

According to the FTC, fake checks can appear to clear quickly in an account even though they are fraudulent. Banks may make funds available before fully verifying a deposit, and confirming fraud can take weeks. Some counterfeit checks display the names and addresses of real banks; others are drawn on accounts opened with stolen identities. If a deposited check is later reversed, anyone who spent those funds or forwarded money can be left owing the bank.

Community Response

Family and friends organized a GoFundMe campaign, created by Joan Pushee, to help Adamo recover financially. Pushee’s fundraiser highlights Adamo’s volunteer work with the Grimes County St. Vincent de Paul Society and notes that Adamo uses a walker to carry groceries and bakes for fundraisers and community events.

Advice From Authorities

Grimes County Sheriff Don Sowell urged residents to seek a trusted second opinion before sending money. "When in doubt, call someone you trust," Sowell told KBTX — for example, a sheriff, constable, state trooper or another law enforcement officer the person already knows.

What To Do If You Receive A Similar Request

• Verify the request by contacting the pastor or church office using a phone number you already have or another independent source — do not reply to the suspicious message.
• Never buy gift cards or send money at the request of someone who sends an unsolicited check or email.
• If you already sent card photos or used the cards, contact the gift card company immediately, explain the situation, keep the cards and receipts, and ask whether funds can be recovered.
• If you deposited a suspicious check, contact your bank before spending or transferring any of the funds and explain how you received the check and what the sender asked you to do.
• Report gift card and fake-check scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your local law enforcement agency.

Adamo said speaking publicly was difficult, but she hoped her story would help prevent others from falling for similar scams. The FTC specifically warns about clergy impersonation, noting that scammers often use a real religious leader’s name and a convincingly similar email address to deceive congregants.