An online phishing scam resulted in $45,880.90 stolen from the Diocese of Des Moines after the scammer impersonated a diocesan employee requesting a funds transfer, the diocese reported in a statement on Monday. Law enforcement are investigating after the Dec. 13 incident. No diocesan staff are expected of malfeasance, Bishop Richard Pates said. The diocese said most of the funds were expected to be recovered through insurance. Cybercriminals last targeted the diocese in 2010, although the diocese did not disclose what was breached or stolen at that time; the diocese has implemented a computer security training program for staff, and will review financial security controls. The Diocese of Des Moines includes 80 parishes in 23 counties in central and southwest Iowa.
