Today I received an email from "myself" -- yet another message from a scammer who is trying to deceive people into giving them money (probably in the form of gift cards). We have had a bunch of these attacks lately. They use my name but they DO NOT use my email address. This one came from a gmail address with my name in it.

I had a conversation this week with a software security professional, and explained this problem we've been having. He told me there's very little we can do to stop it. Our best defense is to be educated and fully aware that it happens. For FUTURE REFERENCE -- I will never send a text or email to you asking for personal assistance. If I needed to reach out to you, I would call you and you would hear my voice. Any email you'd receive directly from me would come from my church address (ps@discoveralc.com). If you receive a suspicious email, delete it. If you think it might be legitimate, please call or text me at my phone number (listed in the member directory.)

Please be alert and aware that this is happening and delete these scam emails when they show up. You are all in my prayers for a safe and celebratory 4th of July!