Several Belmonters have received emails that at first glance might appear to be from Pastor Paul or other church staff members. Please always look at the complete "from" address, not just the name that pops up. There is nothing to stop someone from creating a random email address like church765@gmail.com and choosing "Pastor Paul Purdue" as the name that appears next to that.

In today's digital age, staying safe online is more important than ever. And while navigating the vast sea of emails can feel overwhelming, there are some things you can do to keep your inbox and your peace of mind secure:

Look closely at the address - Remember, all official Belmont UMC emails will always come from an address ending in "@belmontumc.org." If you see anything else, be cautious! Scammers often try to mimic legitimate addresses by changing a single letter or adding a dash. Always double-check before clicking any links or attachments.

Sense the urgency - Scammers love to play on our emotions. Urgent requests for immediate action or dire warnings about consequences are classic red flags. Take a deep breath, step back, and verify the information through official church channels before taking any action.

Gift cards are NOT on the menu - Remember, unless there is a special collection for a ministry, Belmont UMC will never ask you to purchase gift cards. We will also never ask you to send money through untraceable methods like Western Union or personal money transfers. Our official giving channels are always secure and transparent, so stick to those when you want to support our church.

Think before you click - Links and attachments can be tempting, but always hover over them before clicking to see the actual destination address. If it looks suspicious, delete it! Remember, clicking a malicious link can compromise your device and personal information.

When in doubt, reach out - If you receive an email that seems even slightly fishy, don't hesitate to reach out to the church office directly. We're always happy to verify the legitimacy of any communication and guide you through any concerns you may have.

By following these simple tips, we can all stay vigilant and keep our digital lives safe. Remember, knowledge is power, and when it comes to our Belmont UMC community, we're all in this together! Let's continue to share God's love and light, both online and off, with wisdom and discernment.