Ripon police warn residents about church-related gift-card scam

Ripon police warned residents about a gift-card scam reported by a local church: callers said cards would help a fellow church member with medical needs, then asked recipients to provide card information by phone, WBAY reported.

The department took the church’s complaint on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026. Members who received calls recognized them as a scam and alerted others. The reported calls involved church members, while the police advice addressed Ripon residents more broadly.

The request had two parts: buy gift cards for the stated need, then provide the cards’ information. Police urged people to verify claims received by phone or email. That distinction is useful for residents who see a similar appeal through another channel: although the reported complaint involved calls, the warning also covers email. WBAY did not report whether anyone bought cards or lost money.