Adventist Scam Alert - from Pacific Union Communication Dept.

[Adventist News]

Subject: Adventist Scam Alert - from Pacific Union Communication Dept.

Greetings:

This past week we have learned that an old scam has surfaced again here in Northern California and that the criminals have targeted church and school leaders. So far we are aware of two instances of this scam being attempted against Adventist administrators. In this confidence scam, one person calls a pastor, principal or other denominational employee and claims to be the president or other leader from a distant SDA conference. One of their members, or ministers, or teachers, or family members, states the caller, is stranded in your area as a result of some unfortunate circumstances. Your help is solicited to help this person. When the person is picked up, they are in need of money, usually for travel expenses, food, etc. Of course the person inneed is not an employee or member of the distant SDA conference and the caller is only an accomplice in the crime. If you receive such a call, ask the representative for a call-back number, then call your local police immediately and give them the information. If you think that the request may be legitimate, one suggestion is to look up the individual through the Adventist Yearbook

and call the listed number for that office to verify the information.

If you have been the victim of one of these scams, please don't be embarrassed. These criminals are successful because they are very well practiced in gaining their victim's confidence. They attempt to exploit our Christian unselfish desire to help others in need. Report these crimes immediately and do not hesitate to share the information with theConference office so that we may warn others. Lastly, let us remember that these 'con artist' have been successful against many victims who are intelligent and well-educated. This should reminded us all that we need Jesus every day to protect us from an enemy that has had thousands of years to perfect his scam, and has gotten so good at it that he can deceive the very elect. Remember always that those who are for us are greater than those who are against us. Please let me know if there are any questions concerning any of the above.

Blessings,

Richard Magnuson, Jr. JD

Director, Human Resources/Risk Management

Northern California Conference ofSeventh-day Adventists

925-685-4300