New York, NY, July 12, 2006—United Methodists should read with caution any emails claiming to solicit direct contributions for denominational missionaries or mission programs.

Several incidents of “scam” emails asking for direct donations were reported in early July. Some originated in Nigeria.

“The General Board of Global Ministries does not solicit gifts via email,” said Deborah Bass, deputy general secretary for administration of the international mission agency.

Designated support for missionaries and mission projects are channeled through the Advance for Christ and His Church and each has a distinct number.

Some of the scam messages have contained typical United Methodist terms, such as “covenant relationships” in reference to missionaries, and “UMCOR,” the relief unit of the mission board.

The sending of bogus email is not uncommon and are impossible to control, according to Glenda Survance, director of management information systems for Global Ministries. “The sender attempts to mimic a legitimate organization or person,” she said.

Persons receiving emails claiming to raise funds for the General Board of Global Ministries should contact the agency at info@gbgm-umc.org

The various safe ways to make contributions to missionaries and mission projects can be found online at gbgm-umc.org, and click on “How to Give” on the top menu bar.

	See Also... Topic: Donations |  GBGM news |  Geographic Region: World |  Source: GBGM Press Releases
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Date posted: Jul 07, 2006