Be Alert: Email Phishing Scams Targeting Church Members

McPherson First UMC has received reports of email phishing scams targeting congregation members. These fraudulent emails appear to come from church leadership but originate from unofficial email addresses with variations of staff names. The messages typically contain vague requests for "urgent help" or ask recipients to purchase gift cards or send money.

Church leadership reminds the congregation that official communications will only come from email addresses ending in @mcphersonfirst.org. Congregants should be suspicious of any message requesting financial assistance, gift cards, or personal information, especially those conveying urgency or containing grammatical errors.

If you receive a suspicious email, do not reply or click any links. Delete the message immediately. Anyone with questions about the legitimacy of church communications should contact the church office directly at 620-241-3626. The church also encourages members to share this information with others who may be vulnerable to such scams.

For more information about protecting yourself from phishing scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission's website at consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams.