Blog:FOREST LAKE TALKS

In the last newsletter, I told you about some of the ways in which the leadership of FLPC make sure that FLPC is a safe place for everyone.  Please see the last newsletter if you want to know how we prevent and would address gun violence or child safety issues. 

I am very concerned about the prevalence and persuasiveness of scammers.  I want you to know that I, nor any church staff member, will ever ask you for your credit card, or to buy us gift cards for a secret mission/gift.  It seems so evident when I write this sentence, but because FLPC is a caring, trusting community, it is very easy for someone to fall for a scam because they think that it is “me” asking.  If you get an email or text that appears to be from me or any church staff or member, asking for immediate action, or asking for your credit card, DO NOT respond to the email or text.  Pick up the phone and call the Church Office.  If anyone – even your bank, or a family member – pressures you to pay something online or over the phone, hang up and call them at the number you know is theirs.  Law enforcement tell us that scamming (phone, email, text) is an international criminal business.  Artificial intelligence can even generate the voice of someone you know and love to make a request sound legitimate.  If you have even a small feeling of uncertainty about a phone call, email or text, simply tell the person that you need to go.  Hang up or end the conversation and call a person you know and trust to help you evaluate.  Members of our congregation – old and young – have fallen for financial scams.  I invite you to come to a Cyber Security Presentation on Thursday, October 9th at noon (register for lunch through FLPCafe and eat lunch also!).  Don’t click on links in emails without calling to be sure that the email came from the person whose name is at the top.  And if a number you don’t know calls, just let it roll to voicemail.  You can always call the person back.  As criminals get better at deceiving us, we must become (in Jesus’ words) “wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16) 

The other way we can keep each other safe is by following some basic practices around checks.  Forest Acres PD Chief, Don Robinson, says that FAPD is spending way too much time on check fraud.  If you can avoid it, he suggests you NOT put checks in the mail, as they know that checks are being stolen within the postal system.  When you do write a check, do so using a gel pen that says it provides fraud protection (gel pens resist dissolving so that someone cannot “re-write” your check if they get it).  And be assured that FLPC has a very strong financial system of checks and balances.  We have well-defined separation of financial duties, and reviews built into our regular financial practices.  Many congregations do not have half of the checks we have in place.  We are not complacent. We are vigilant.  And we do this because we know that transparency and accountability are a part of what it means to live together as a faith community.  If I had more room, I’d elaborate.  But financial safety is important, and the leadership and staff of FLPC are paying attention.