This is a new level of awful.

According to a post put out by the Federal Trade Commission, there is a new scam going on and this time it is targeting religious individuals.

The new scam has to do with gift cards. The FTC says scammers are pretending to be a pastor, rabbi, priest, imam or bishop and asking their followers for a donation in the form of a gift card.

Here's how it works: the scammer asks you to donate with a gift card. In this case, the most popular choices are iTunes, Google Play and Amazon. From there, they ask for the number on the gift card and the pin on the back of the card. From there, the scammers can get the money you loaded onto the card.

These particular scammers work by email but they have contacted victims using text message and phone calls. The emails include the name of a local pastor and an email address that isn't legitimate but looks it.

Take a few minutes to do some research and verify the correct contacts at your local place of worship. Be aware of any spelling errors and use caution if your name isn't used.

You are asked to report it immediately if you receive one of these scam emails, calls or texts.

Just a few days ago, the DNR was warning people about an online hunting and fishing license scam.

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