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Phishing

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Recent Phishing
Activity

  • October 24, 2023
    • From: Bishop David Bard <bishopdavidbard0@gmail.com>
    • Subject: Manny Blessing
    • Scam/Risk: Gift cards
  • January 4, 2021
    • FROM: David Bard onlineparishcatholic@gmail.com>
    • Subject: Blessings
    • Body:

      Hello,
      How are you doing?

      Do you have a moment, I have a request I need you to handle discreetly. I am going to a meeting, no calls so just reply to my email.i will be glad if you reply to this email as soon as it gets to you.

      Peace and blessing

    • Scam/Risk: Gift card request
  • December 31, 2021
    • FROM: Bishop David Bard <bishop.michiganumc0@gmail.com>
    • Subject: HAPPY NEW YEAR IN ADVANCE
    • Body:

      Hi, how are you doing?

      I need a favor from you, email me as soon as you get this message.

      Blessings
      BISHOP DAVID ALAN BARD

      MICHIGAN AREA OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
      1011 Northcrest Road
      Lansing, MI 48906

    • Scam/Risk: Request for gift cards/money.
  • December 7, 2021
    • FROM: David A. Bard <priv53572@gmail.com>
    • Subject:
    • Body: I need a favor from you, please reply to my email as soon as possible.Regards,David A. Bard
  • August 9, 2021
    • FROM: John Kasper <kasper.michiganumc@gmail.com> 
    • Subject: 
    • Body: Good afternoon! Do you have a moment I have a request I need you to handle discreetly. I am in a meeting with no calls so just reply to my email.

      In Christ’s love,

      John Kasper
      District Superintendent

      Sent from Mymail
  • July 26, 2021
    • FROM: Rev. John Hice <revjohnhice16@gmail.com>
    • Subject: Love and peace
    • Body: Hi, how are you doing?

      I need a favor from you, email me back as soon as you get this message.

      Blessings.

      Rev. John

      East Winds District Superintendent

  • July 12, 2021
    • FROM: Bishop David Bard <officem468@gmail.com>
    • SUBJECT: (Recipient's Name)
    • Body: Hello Michael do you have a moment I have a request I need handle discreetly. I am currently busy in a prayer session, no calls so just reply my email
  • June 1, 2021
    • FROM: BISHOP DAVID ALAN BARD <officetemilorun2@gmail.com>
    • SUBJECT: (Blank)
    • Body: Hi,how are you doing? I have a request I need you to handle discreetly. No calls so just reply my email.
    • Scam/Risk: Gift cards
  • May 28, 2021
    • FROM: John Kasper <vpro110ooo@gmail.com> 
    • SUBJECT: (Receiver's Name)
    • Body: I'm having a very tight schedule today. I need to get some gift cards. Can you please pick up a few Macy's gift Gift cards for me from any store around you? I will reimburse you after my meetings.
    • Scam/Risk: Gift cards
  • May 25, 2021
    • FROM: Bishop David A. Bard <pp909128000@gmail.com> OR  <pp32870309@gmail.com>
    • SUBJECT: Request
    • Body: Hello, I have something urgent that needs your assistance. Please, kindly email me at your earliest convenience
    • Scam/Risk: Gift cards
  • May 24, 2021
    • FROM: BISHOP DAVID ALAN BARD — <pp099900057@gmail.com>
    • SUBJECT: Request
    • Body: Hello, I have something urgent that needs your assistance. Please, kindly email me at your earliest convenience
    • Scam/Risk: Gift cards

 

What you need to know about fake e-mails from Conference Leaders

 

FAQ'S

Q: How can I tell when these messages are fake?
A: Bishop Bard and other conference leaders would never e-mail you and ask for monetary donations, gift cards, etc., even in an emergency. Legitimate donation requests would be communicated via the Michigan Conference website, MIConnect, or in a mailing from the conference treasury office.

Q: Why does the Conference Leadership’s email keep getting hacked?
A: It doesn’t. These scam e-mails (or “phishing” attempts) circulate around the disreputable realms of the internet. They are not sent from MIUMC (michiganumc.org) email accounts. See below.

Q: What is phishing?
A: According to this website, “Phishing is a crime in which identity thieves attempt to elicit sensitive, personal information from you by masquerading as a trustworthy source in electronic communication.” These e-mails may come from someone who appears to be a bishop, your pastor, a family member, etc., but are not sent from their legitimate email accounts.

Q: Has my personal information been compromised?
A: Receiving these messages does not mean your private information has been compromised. Just be sure you do NOT reply or respond in any manner. Never click on links or open attachments when you receive any suspicious email.

Q: What can I do to take action?

  • A: Report scams to your email provider immediately (it's easy).
  • A: Report scams to the FBI.
  • A: Report scams to the Michigan Conference
    • If the activity has not already been reported (see the "Recent Phishing" section on the left), please forward the message to phishing@michiganumc.org. If you know how to forward an email as an attachment, that method is preferred, but not required. When emailing your report, please do not edit the text of the suspicious message or include multiple parties.

Additional Resources: 
Federal Trade Commission: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams 

FBI general information: https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/on-the-internet

Michigan State Police - Cyber Command: MSP - Michigan Cyber Command Center (MC3)

GotPhish.com

Last Updated on December 8, 2023

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The Michigan Conference