Please Be Aware of Email and Text Scams

Scam emails and text messages often target church communities and will continue to do so with the rise of AI and other technologies.

These messages may appear to come from a pastor, church leader, or even a fellow member. Often, they will ask for help in the form of purchasing gift cards (such as Apple, Google Play, or other retailers) and then request that you send the card numbers or photos of the cards.

Here are a few things to remember:

• Our church leaders will never ask for gift cards, money, or personal information through email or text.

• Be wary of urgent or emotional requests, especially those that pressure you to act quickly.

• Check the sender’s email address or phone number carefully. Scammers often use addresses that look similar to real ones.

• Do not click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown sources.

If you receive a message that seems unusual or suspicious:

• Do not respond.

• Do not send money or gift cards.

• Contact the church office or a trusted church leader directly to verify the request.

If you have any questions or would like help reviewing a message you’ve received, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for keeping our community safe and informed!