Recently, another person sent information to the office about an email scam where the email APPEARED to be from Rev. Rick. The writer asks the recipient to purchase gift cards for various people at “Hope Children Homes”. Rick reminds the congregation that he would NEVER make such a request.

There are basic things to do if you receive a suspicious email from someone you know. First: verify the email address. Rev. Rick’s email is revrick@uusalem.org. Second, if you are asked to donate to an organization, search the internet for the exact name you are given to see if it is legit. Usually, the name very closely resembles a real organization. Don’t be fooled into thinking the writer just made a typo. Third: Mark the email as “phishing” if your mail server provides that option, otherwise, “spam”.