The Archdiocese of Newark has issued an advisory regarding social media accounts impersonating Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R.
The advisory states that, “Cardinal Tobin only uses Twitter and Instagram accounts, which are monitored daily. The Cardinal’s official, and only, Twitter and Instagram accounts are @CardinalJWTobin. Any other communication allegedly from Cardinal Tobin on any other social media platform, such as differing Twitter or Instagram handles, Facebook, Whatsapp, TikTok, Snapchat or Reddit, is an unauthorized and fraudulent use of the Cardinal’s name and identity.”
A prelate of the Catholic Church and member of the Redemptorist order, Tobin has been the Archbishop of Newark since 2017.
He previously served as the Archbishop of Indianapolis from 2012 to 2016 and as secretary of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life from 2010 to 2012. He has been a cardinal since November 19, 2016.
The advisory asks people to immediately report any such social media activity purporting or suggesting to be that of or affiliated with Cardinal Tobin’s name, account or identity to the Archdiocese of Newark Communications Office, as well as to the host social media platform’s reporting page.
In the event that people are directly contacted or solicited by such an account, in addition to taking these steps, they should also report it to their local law enforcement department.
This advisory is a reminder to be careful about who you interact with on social media. If you see an account that claims to be a public figure, such as a cardinal, but it is not verified, it is best to avoid interacting with it. You can also report the account to the social media platform.