Tree of Life officials warn community about phishing scam asking for ‘favor’

PITTSBURGH — Officials with the Tree of Life synagogue have issued a warning about a phishing scam circulating in the community.

Reading this in the WPXI News App? Click the + next to the headline to subscribe to alerts and follow along for the latest on the synagogue shooting.

According to a tweet from the synagogue, an email was sent to members of the congregation appearing to come from “Rabbi Hazzan Jeffrey Myers,” but it is actually a scam.

Officials said the email potentially asked people to respond for a “favor.”

The executive director for the Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha congregation sent the following statement: “Yesterday, Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha Congregation learned that a phishing email was distributed that appeared to come from “Rabbi Hazzan Jeffrey Myers.” However, he did not send this and it is not from his actual email address. If anyone receives such an email, do not click on any links or respond to the email. Tree of Life has learned through a private listserve shared among synagogue executive directors that this phishing scheme appears to have happened to approximately 20 rabbis nationwide. It does not appear to be a targeted effort toward Tree of Life or the Pittsburgh community. This information was shared with security and law enforcement authorities to determine if any investigation is warranted or possible.”

**IMPORTANT MESSAGE** There is currently a phishing email circulating our community. The email may appear to come from "Rabbi Hazzan Jeffrey Myers", however it is not from his real email address. It may potentially ask you to respond for a "favor." (1/2)
— Tree Of Life * Or L'Simcha Congregation (@treeoflifepgh) January 16, 2020