Eastbourne Police have asked churches to be alert about a white male in his late 50’s who is going around various churches claiming that a relative of his has died in the Isle of Wight and he needs money for a train fare to get there. This is a fraud and is not genuine. He has given different names and addresses( which don’t exist).
A local Diocese has also noted:
Please be alert. We have been informed that a man, sometimes going by the name of John, has been repeatedly targeting church leaders and congregations asking for money. He seems to have used the information from parish magazines or newsletters to find out information about church members, including their names and addresses, to concoct stories and enter into the confidence of churchwardens and others.
As always, report suspected criminal activity to the police. Please also let your Archdeacon know if you think you have been targeted by this individual or if you have any questions about this matter.
In addition, you and your PCCs may wish to review whose home addresses are made public on church websites, magazines, and noticeboards, and relevant policies such as lone working.