“ True Identities ? ”

 Fellow Believers,

I don’t know if this has happened to any of you, yet.  For a number of years now, there’s a scam in which people are sent texts or emails purported to be from their pastor, asking the recipient to purchase gift cards or wire money—allegedly so the pastor can help another person in need.  In other words, you get a text you’ll think is from me, asking you to buy gift cards or send money for me to offer aid to someone else. 

You should know that I will never ask you to send money or make purchases by text or email, or over the phone—for any reason that isn’t related to our church community—or in a way that you wouldn’t already know about or be able to confirm.  If there’s ever any doubt, ignore the instructions until you can talk to me, call the Church Office or check with session members.  All fundraising in the church, including the pastor asking for any support, should always have prior approval of the Session. 

This doesn’t mean that I’m not going to ask for money or support from you.  The work of Jesus Christ, through the church, means the ability to connect, resource, and support friends, neighbors, AND strangers.  Money is a part of that, too.  But “relationships” are how we navigate this.  I won’t be “cold-calling” you or texting.  You should read about it in the newsletter, hear announcements or see something in the bulletin, too!  While this might not always be true, there should be other signs you would know it’s legitimate. 

If you ever have any questions about legitimacy or doubts—call me directly, or call the church office, or talk to session members.  And don’t feel pressured to do anything with money until you have confirmation.  In almost every case of these scams, the text or email arrives from a different number or email address than the ones I ordinarily use.  Also remember, this isn’t your fault—someone is taking advantage of your desire and willingness to help others.  We’re NOT going to let the scammers win. 

I wish I could say that this was going to get better.  Today, the tools available to those with nefarious goals are truly amazing.  Spoofed texts, emails, and social media posts—those are easier to spot.  Now, there’s technology for someone to register voice patterns, and you’re just as likely to receive a phone call, with my voice, asking you to send money.  In fact, this has already happened with my children; both of their grandparents have received calls from impersonators who had just enough information to be believable.  It’s scary.  But in each case, the grandparent was quickly able to determine that something wasn’t quite right. 

You don’t have to be afraid.  Like Jesus teaches us, part of the solution to these first-world challenges is in our relationships.  The ways we know and care for one another directly.  If I’m asking you for help, it will always be something I can tell you about.  I won’t ever say, “I can’t tell you, just send me the money.”  We build community by being authentic, transparent, and we communicate clearly. 

So …don’t just give up and stop helping.  Learn to be careful and strategic in how you help.  Never be afraid to ask questions and get details.  Ask someone else.  Verify.  If something sounds or feels off—don’t do anything until you can verify it.  I will always be OK with you asking, double checking, just making sure.  …And if you hear something that doesn’t sound right from another member, encourage them to check it out, too! 

Jesus loves you.  So do I.  We want the best for all of us.  We want and need help, we want to give help, we want to build the Kingdom of God.  When we do that, there will be no more scams.