“Can I ask you to do a favor?”

This is a common opening line in an email that LOOKS as if it’s from a minister, friend, or trusted organization. But it’s a common “phishing” ploy to steal money by getting you to buy gift cards and provide the code numbers to the person asking for “a favor.” Now it’s even happening by text message. It’s almost NEVER from the person in whose name the message arrives to you.

This is organized crime! Please tell everyone about email scams.

Telephone scams may include a live or recorded voice telling you that you need to sort out business with the Internal Revenue Service –right away– or the Social Security Administration–right away! They ask your name and Social Security number. If they were authentic agents of the government, they would KNOW your name and number, because THEY are calling YOU! They would not ask for it. Don’t give out personal information to callers. The “representative” says that if you don’t pay on the phone or by email–NOW–you will go to jail or be fined. They prey upon our anxieties and uncertainty.

No request for help is so urgent that you can’t take time to check it out by alternate means, like phoning the named person (rather than replying to the email or text directly.)
No demand for settling accounts with a government agency is so urgent that you can’t investigate it.

Maybe you’re now asking: why should you believe me, even though I say that I am the REAL Rev. Roger. Good question! Ask around to verify, or read this important information about Scams & Fraud at this link from AARP.