Dear Friends in Christ,
This weekend I have been alerted that my name and an email address that is not mine (bishopjohnscholgnjumc@gmail.com) requesting help is being sent to GNJ clergy. The email is a fraudulent attempt to solicit you to participate in a scheme to purchase gift cards and send money. DO NOT RESPOND to the email. We have alerted our technology team who are tightening security measures on my account.
Unfortunately in these times, issues around cyber security are all too frequent. It is very difficult to prevent and our best defense is to be armed to be suspicious of unusual email requests. I am grateful to the clergy who emailed me and alerted me to the matter. I urge all of you to be alert to these issues and to educate yourself on common “phishing” and “spoofing” activities. You can find information on email fraud on our website.
Keep the faith!
John
Bishop John Schol
United Methodists of Greater New Jersey