The scammers typically ask for something vague like “I need your help with something, please reply.” If you make the mistake of replying they will then attempt to draw you into a scam. The most common one I’ve heard of involves the pastor pretending to need gift cards to assist someone in need, but I’m sure there are other versions.
I will not send you an e-mail asking you for money or gifts cards. I am also NOT very likely to send you a message that vaguely says "can you help with something?"
If you receive an e-mail that looks like it’s from me asking for help with something, you should:
1) open up a NEW e-mail (do NOT reply to the email in question)
2) type my e-mail address into the NEW email
3) use the NEW e-mail to ask if I contacted you
(You could also call/text/ask me in person, of course).
Please contact Sandy or me if you have any questions.
Pastor Caela