The Rev. Lauren Stanley warns us of a scam artist using the name of Haitian Bishop Duracin to steal money from well-meaning donors.
Via e-mail:
Twice since the earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, someone has attempted to take advantage of the situation for personal gain. Just this evening I received another email purporting to be from Bishop Duracin, asking for financial aid. This email is not from the Bishop of Haiti.
Tell-tale marks: The email address is incorrect. The writing is not Bishop Duracin’s. The mailing address is incorrect. The secondary email is incorrect.
If anyone has any questions as to the veracity of emails purporting to come from the Diocese of Haiti and/or from Bishop Duracin, please do not hesitate to contact me at MereLaurenS@gmail.com.
And please, do not be taken in by messages allegedly from Bishop Duracin asking for financial aid. Bishop Duracin has made it clear, repeatedly, that donations should be made to Episcopal Relief & Development (www.er-d.org), which is the official relief agency of The Episcopal Church.
While the people of Haiti are suffering, someone out there is trying to make a quick buck. This is unacceptable behavior, and it will take all of us working together to stop it.
Blessings and peace,
The Rev. Lauren R. Stanley
Assistant to the Bishop of Haiti
TEC Appointed Missionary