SCAM ALERT [02/2012]: Albion United Reformed Church

Posted on February 26, 2012

Here's another e-mail to be on the lookout for:

Early February we were informed about a potential speaking opportunity based in the UK; this has been confirmed as a scam. Please do not reply to this message. The speaking opportunity referred to does not exist.

-----Original Message-----

From: Alan Wickens
Sent: Saturday, February 18, 2012 7:58 PM
Subject: Inviting for a speaking engagement!!

Senders email: alanjwickens@gmail.com

Blessings to you from Albion, Paul, I am Reverend Alan Wickens, presiding Minister of Albion United Reformed Church, Lancashire, United Kingdom. We are pleased to inform you that we would like to engage you for a speaking event here in Lancashire at the Church conference coming up on the 16th, 17th & 18th of March 2012. The conference is tagged: 'Big things: How to start small'.

Please we would like you to convey to us your availability for one of the dates as it can fit in your schedule.

Also, please we would as well appreciate if you get back in-touch with us in ample time so we can start corresponding the details.

Thank you and expecting to hear from you soon.

Remain Blessed.
--
Reverend Alan Wickens
+44 7031873786

Albion United Reformed Church
Stamford Street East,
AshtonunderLyne,
Lancashire,
OL66QQ
United Kingdom
http://www.albionurc.org.uk

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
1 Peter 2:9



Again, DO NOT reply to this message if you receive it.

The following is what was reported to SpeakerMatch via email:

======START==========
Hello, my name is [removed]. I recently received the email below from a "Reverend Alan Wickens" in the United Kingdom. After days of researching his church and reading his emails I felt confident that this was an event that I could accept. He sent me a speaker agreement, hotel was booked and information sent to me, and everything sounded good.

I knew from my research and experience that I would need a work visa for the U.K. So I went to the U.K. Border Agency website and purchased my work visa. During this time my funds were intercepted by one of Reverend Alan Wickens' associates. The next day I visited the church's website to find a disclaimer saying, WE ARE NOT HOLDING A SEMINAR IN MARCH 2012. WE HAVE NOT INVITED ANY SPEAKERS. DISREGARD ANY CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED- THIS IS A SCAM.

From there my hotel was cancelled. I contacted the church directly and spoke with the REAL Reverend Alan Wickens! He shared with me that he has been receiving numerous phone calls from other speakers! He shared with me that someone has stolen his identity and is using it to scam speakers!

I felt the need to make you aware of this and to warn ALL speakers of this scam.My attorney and law enforcement are currently looking into this matter...
======END=======

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