Hoax

The following was sent to me and other fraternity ministers yesterday by our regional minister, but all members of Secular Franciscan fraternities need to be aware of this.

From the Regional Minister of Trillium Region,

Yesterday I received a call from our regional Vice Minister asking for advice concerning a plea by E-mail for funds citing some fictitious reference to our National Minister's name. And today I received an urgent E-mail from one of our former ministers about the exact same plea.

Please note the information I received from Debbie Tessier hereunder concerning the fraudulent use of her name in connection with a " request for urgent help from Tasmania. " Kindly do not respond or answer or place any phone calls in this regard. This is a hoax designed to obtain funds fraudulently.

May I ask that you kindly notify your people in case this group obtained more E-mail addresses of Secular Franciscans for their nefarious activities

For your future consideration it is important to note that the National Minister communicates only with Regional Ministers and members of the National Council by E-mail - but never on the topic of funds - That is left for the National Treasurer to deal with. In case you are contacted in the future please ensure that you validate Debbie's E-mail address - available on the national ofs site at http://www.ofsnational.ca/NF_Council_EN.asp. Also kindly double check the nature of the message. Generally you would hear from myself or one of the Regional Council members when it comes to communication on OFS issues or requests.

Thank you all for your ongoing dedicated services in the Secular Franciscan Order and for being the good shepherds of your fraternities. Peace - Les