NEVER PURCHASE GIFT CARDS FOR SOMEONE YOU KNOW WHO CONTACTS YOU VIA EMAIL WITHOUT SPEAKING TO THEM FIRST! This is the most common scam we see targeted at communities like ours, because we are known for our generosity. Always call to confirm that an email asking for financial help is truly from the person it appears to be.

RVUUF staff heard from colleagues around the country that seemingly legitimate requests from members to update email addresses were being used to gain access to church databases and send out emails asking members to purchase online gift cards. Sure enough, RVUUF had recently received such a request, and many of you received a scam email last weekend. When we learned of the scam, we were able to cut off access to our database, but since then we have seen scam emails come from addresses that are spoofs of member addresses. Please be vigilant and confirm that an email asking for money is coming from the source you believe it is. RVUUF MINISTERS AND STAFF WILL NEVER EMAIL YOU TO ASK YOU TO PURCHASE GIFT CARDS!