Jesus called his followers to be fishers of people to invite them to something good — the good news. But there is another kind of fishing for people which is neither good nor offers good news. It’s called “phishing.”
According to one online security website, “phishing occurs when an attacker, masquerading as a trusted entity, dupes a victim into opening an email, instant message, or text message for the purpose of stealing from them.”
Why am I telling you this? This week, a number of folks at Park have received phishing emails from someone pretending to be me. I’m not sure how this happens or who’s doing it but just wanted you to be aware. This has happened before, not just to me (now the fourth time) but to other pastors and members of other churches. Phishers prey on parishioners’ desire to trust their pastors.
How do you know you’re getting phished, and what can you do?
1. Trust your gut. If the request feels weird, it probably is. Example: A phisher pretending to me wrote to Darelle Williams, “Are you reachable via email? Let me know. Thanks.” Instead of responding, Darelle recognized it and sent me and others an email saying, “Someone is trying to act like they’re PG!” He was right.
2. Check the sender’s email address (not just the display name). Look at this image of an email sent to Darelle Williams, our youth minister. You see my name and title in the “from” line. Looks legit, right? But notice the email address next to my name. It’s not mine. My Park Avenue email is greggtaylor@parkavechurch.org.
3. Do not respond. If you do, you will open the door to further requests in an attempt to steal from you. For example, the phisher will eventually try to get you to hand over your debit or credit card information to purchase something like gift cards for someone in need.
4. Report it. The Federal Trade Commission has a reporting mechanism for scams. Go to FTC.gov/Complaint and follow the prompts.
5. Delete the email. When you don’t respond, the phisher will likely give up and move on.
6. If you’re in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact me directly.
Bottom line, if it looks like a phish and smells like a phish, it’s a phish. I’m all for fishing in the way Jesus talks about it, but rest assured, I will never phish you. Not my style.
Planning Park’s Future
Thank you to all who’ve responded to the strategic planning survey that went out by email last week. There’s still time to respond. Everyone’s input matters, and we want you to participate in planning our future together. If you’ve yet to give your input about what you would like Park to be in the future, will you take a moment and fill out the brief church atttender survey? The survey is for everyone who attends in person or online. Just click here.
New Winter Parking Regulations
Just so you’re aware, winter parking restrictions go into effect on Thursday (1/26/22) after 9 PM and go until April 1, or until a big melt, whichever comes first. That means no parking is permitted on the “even” sides of Oakland Avenue (west side) and 34th Street (north side). For those of you with directional challenges, that means you can park on the side next to the church. There is also a parking lot at 34th and Chicago Ave available on Sundays.
Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday in-person or online!
Breathe love,
Pastor Gregg
