UPDATE: New details released by the Florida Baptist Convention on Monday (May 15) revealed that the convention is working with authorities to recover $700,000 that was stolen through “cybertargeting.” The theft was reportedly related to the convention’s Send Network Florida account in partnership with the North American Mission Board.
The Florida Baptist Convention released a statement on their website Wednesday (May 10) noting the convention had “experienced an incident of financial fraud.” The statement did not give any details on the amount of money involved in the crime against the convention.
The FBI and local law authorities are investigating the reported fraud. “The fraudulent transaction is related to a payment from our convention to one of our SBC entities,” the FBC said in their statement. “We have reported this crime to the FBI, local law enforcement, our insurance carrier, our bank and our auditing firm.
“At this time, we have no reason to suspect malfeasance by any convention employees,” the statement noted. “Nevertheless, the convention is committed to fully investigating the matter.”
In addition, the statement said, the State Board of Missions Administrative and Finance committees have formed a sub-committee to “provide oversight to the audit investigation and recommended next steps based on the audit’s findings.” The FBC noted that its financial reserves will help the state convention honor any commitments involving partnering churches and ministries that have been impacted by the reported fraud.
“These types of attacks continue to plague organizations of all sizes and scopes,” the FBC said. “We encourage pastors and churches to remain diligent with the security of their IT and financial systems.
“This specifically includes critically scrutinizing any and all requests — even those from a supposedly well-known source — that request a shift from historical payment practices.”
See full statement below:
We are writing to share some disheartening news with you. The Florida Baptist Convention has experienced an incident of financial fraud. The fraudulent transaction is related to a payment from our convention to one of our SBC entities. We have reported this crime to the FBI, local law enforcement, our insurance carrier, our bank and our auditing firm.
This fraud was accomplished with a general knowledge of the communications and practice between the SBC entity and the convention. An investigation is being launched to determine how this knowledge was gained. At this time, we have no reason to suspect malfeasance by any convention employees. Nevertheless, the convention is committed to fully investigating the matter.
In addition, the State Board of Missions Administrative and Finance committees have formed a sub-committee to provide oversight to the audit investigation and recommended next steps based on the audit’s findings.
As you can imagine, our convention staff and state board of missions is distraught over this loss of financial resources. It is our desire in all that we do to bring glory to our Lord and Savior, and to continue earning the trust of the churches we serve when we distribute the sacrificial resources given through tithes and offerings. Due to the reserves already in place, the commitments we have made to support churches and cooperating ministries serving the state of Florida will all be honored.
These types of attacks continue to plague organizations of all sizes and scopes. We encourage pastors and churches to remain diligent with the security of their IT and financial systems. This specifically includes critically scrutinizing any and all requests — even those from a supposedly well-known source—that request a shift from historical payment practices.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions. We covet your prayers for the convention staff and state board of missions as we navigate forward in a way that prevents financial loss in the future. We continue to stand “right beside you”, knowing that God is working mightily among our Florida Baptist churches.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written and originally published by the Florida Baptist Convention.
