They're called "do-me-a-favor" scams — a type of imposter scam where scammers pose as pastors, preachers, priests, rabbis and other religious leaders in order to play on people's emotions and tug on the heartstrings of those who have been feeling extremely charitable.
Christina Anastasio, associate state director of Community Outreach for AARP New Jersey, said the scammers use email, call or text to pose as a religious leader or someone working at a place of worship.
Then the scammer may say something like they're at the hospital where several members of the community are dying of cancer or some other disease. He or she will say they want to do something nice for them but can't get away.