Recently, we’ve seen a rise in phishing and scam emails impersonating the Office of the Bishop. These emails often use fake email accounts that appear legitimate at first glance but are obvious fakes if you inspect the sender’s address. As these scams can be dangerous, it’s essential to remain vigilant and take steps to protect yourself and others.

What to Look For

Phishing emails often attempt to create urgency, asking for sensitive information, money, or gift cards. They may use language that seems official or reference church activities to gain your trust. Always verify the sender’s email address carefully—legitimate messages from the Grand Canyon Synod will come from official synod accounts, not personal or unusual email addresses.

Best Practices to Stay Safe

1. Inspect the Sender’s Email Address: Ensure it matches the official synod domain.

2. Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links: Hover over links to view their destination before clicking.

3. Verify Requests: Contact the Office of the Bishop directly to confirm unusual requests.

4. Report Junk and Phishing Emails: Most email providers, such as Gmail and Outlook, offer options to report phishing attempts, helping to reduce their spread.

5. Stay Informed: Share this information with others in your congregation to build awareness.

What You Can Do

If you receive a suspicious email:

• Do not reply or click any links.

• Report the email as phishing through your email app.

• Contact the Office of the Bishop directly at [official contact info] to confirm any questionable messages.

Together, we can protect our community from harmful scams. Taking a moment to verify an email’s authenticity not only safeguards you but helps prevent further attempts across the synod.

Let us remain grounded in faith and wisdom, remembering Jesus’ counsel in Matthew 10:16 to “be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” By staying alert, we can uphold the safety and integrity of our church communications.