Warning from Bishop’s Office about fraudulent texts

A message from the Bishop’s Office was posted in newsletters in parishes in Palmerston North Diocese in mid-August. The message stated: “It has come to our attention that fraudulent text messages are being sent out, falsely claiming to be from Bishop John Adams and requesting the purchase of vouchers.

“Please be assured that Bishop John would never request vouchers or financial assistance via text or email. These messages are a scam.”

The notice stated that if people receive such a message, they should not respond and they should not purchase any vouchers. They should report the message, if possible, through their mobile provider or to relevant authorities.

“If you are ever in doubt about a communication claiming to be from the Bishop, please contact the Bishop’s Office directly for clarification,” the notice continued.

“Thank you for your vigilance and care in helping to protect our community.”

Meanwhile, in a Facebook video, US Bishop Robert Barron spoke about a problem that is becoming “increasingly difficult” – “namely, the ridiculous AI-generated videos that impersonate me on social media”.

Bishop Barron said he was spoken to be a woman who mentioned an altercation he had purportedly had in a restaurant in Chicago. The bishop told her he had not been in a restaurant in Chicago for five years. She had been watching an AI-generated video.

There have been other such videos, including one that had Bishop Barron being summoned to Rome for high level discussions with Pope Leo. Bishop Barron said the only time he has met Pope Leo since he was elected lasted a few seconds and he was not summoned to Rome.

Another video had an AI Bishop Barron giving recommendations on how to remove demons from a toilet.

“This is all ridiculous,” Bishop Barron said, adding that the content is being generated by fraudsters who make money through ads.

It isn’t harmless fun, he said, noting that it does damage to his reputation and to people being defrauded. People should look out for a blue check next to his name on social media channels as an marker of authenticity, he said.

FULL STORY

Newsletter 17 August 2025 – 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cathedral of the Holy Spirit)

Video | Facebook (Bishop Robert Barron/Facebook)