I visited a church last week for the first time and like most churches you are given a information card to fill out so they can contact you . There was also a section that asked me to tick if you need contact for prayer and so I did that. I was checking my voicemail and like all other missed call I decided to call back the number. I heard the recording asking if I needed prayer so I press 1 but only recorded my first nsme. The number they called me from is a number with my area code so I really thought it was the church I visited last Sunday. The part that had me wondering is the name of the church. So out of curiosity I searched for St. Mary's Prayer ministry and came across these feeds. The extent to which people go to scam others is ridiculous.
I answered a call from this number and it was an automated operator asking if I needed prayer. I do, so I pressed 1 as instructed. They asked for my name and gave just enough time for me to state my name. After that the operator stated that I would have 10 seconds to state why I needed prayer if I would like to. I said that I need prayer for "immediate and extended family problems". There was just enough time for that statement. After they said that they will pray for me and will call within 24 hrs to pray with me. It's only been a few moments since I hung up so I cannot report on the follow up call just yet. When it comes to prayer I will take all I can get lol. They did not ask for any personal information other than my name and a brief description of what I needed prayer for so I felt comfortable accepting this call. It's odd but like I said we need prayers so badly right now and I like to believe there are genuine Christians out there so here's hoping.
No, no, no. Answering calls from unknown numbers is never wise. Why would you seek help and prayer through a random, unknown robocall? This behavior can set you up for more unwanted, annoying calls or worse, you will give out more personal information that will put you at risk. People who comply with these unsolicited scammers only perpetuate this growing problem . Use common sense and guard your privacy with strangers.