|
From Rev. Brock Patterson
“Don't Fall For It”
I guess it’s that time of year again. The predators are awake and alert. In recent weeks, I’ve been contacted by UPS that I have a package being held at the warehouse. I’ve also been contacted by Amazon telling me that my account is on hold because a payment didn’t process correctly. I’ve also received something from Facebook telling me that my account has been compromised and I need to “Click Here” so that I can reset my account. I’ve also received an unruly amount of toll-free spam calls regarding everything from the upcoming elections to the IRS telling me that I have a hidden refund somewhere.
All of these are scams. I receive them almost daily. I hate to say it, but the creativity of scam artists is quite amazing. When I inspect the email or text, I can usually spot the slight change in their email address or text number that keeps them from trademark infringement of the companies or agencies they are impersonating. It’s often just a slight difference,
but regardless of what it looks like, I know all of these are scams.
I’m sure you already know this stuff. However, if you are contacted by someone who is claiming to be your lost niece who is in big trouble and needs money for bail or car repairs, disregard it. This, too, is a scam. Scam artists prey on us by trying to hit our weak spots.
If they keep trying different approaches and finally, we decide to click the button, they’ll
know that we’re primed and ready to take the bait.
When in doubt, trust your gut and not what someone tells you. You are special, indeed,
but nobody is going to give you free money, trips, or bonus points because you are so special. The world doesn’t work that way, and you can be sure that EVERY great deal that a stranger pitches to you is a scam.
Last year, someone in our congregation was approached by a stranger in a major shopping store. The stranger had a film crew with them, and our Chapel member was asked what they would do if someone gave them $10,000. Our Chapel member said that he would give it to his church (The Chapel).
The stranger turned out to be a major radio/media host from Tampa. It was the real deal.
Our person received a check for $10,000 and gave it to the Chapel. But at no time during the entire discussion did the media host ask for bank account or credit information.
(Our congregation member researched everything after the encounter and discovered it to be real. He also contacted his attorney to make sure it was legit.)
This is the only time that I’ve ever heard of anyone receiving free money or stuff that didn’t have a major scam attached to it. Our congregation member was smart: He researched the incident and asked a professional to help with the research to make sure it was valid.
This is the 1 in a million shot that hit.
Don’t fall for It. I’m not one in a million and neither are you. Nobody is going to give you something for free and not expect you to pay something in return. Never give a stranger your credit or personal information without verifying their credentials. The IRS is NOT going to offer you free money this year. Amazon does not need your payment information. UPS does not have a package at the warehouse for you.
God gave us brains so we can be smart. He gave us hearts so that we can love and care for one another. Be sure to protect them both and Don’t Fall For It (whatever “It” happens to be). If you don’t have someone to help you, contact the Chapel office and we’ll be glad
to help you!
Come to worship this Sunday! Whether in person or online, we want you to be connected with us and we're ALWAYS safe!
God Bless.
Brock.
| 
