BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!

Please be aware when responding to emails and texts. There is a scam effort being made again, involving church staff. Somebody is posing as a VanFUMC staff member, emailing requests for assistance such as changing direct deposit information to a new banking institution. While these emails are clearly scams, it's easy to miss the subtle hints if one isn't looking for them. Here are a few clues that an email (or text!) might be a scam: 

- Unusal syntax: If an email or text comes across significantly more formal than the individual would normally speak or write.

- Unusual punctuation: Use of quotations (" ---") or other out-of-place punctuation.

- Incorrect email from sender: Scammers who pose as individuals will often use an email address NOT associated with that individual, in order to receive responses to their requests for personal information. Verify that the email address is the correct one for the individual. 

- Misspelled words: We all make spelling errors from time to time, and autocorrect can be a tricky bugger! But paying attention to the words that are misspelled can be a helpful indicator that maybe something is off.