Keeping a watchful eye for scams
As the fall progresses and the work of our Region and Communities of Faith move into heavier programming seasons, the sharing of information online is picking up. Because of this we, like everyone, are susceptible to being taken advantage of by Internet scams and phishing schemes.
Two most recent examples were fake Facebook “event” pages created for the memorials of Rev. Brenda Fawkes and Rev. Dr. Lois M. Wilson. These pages promoted unofficial livestream links that could possibly hold harmful malware/viruses, or be asking for money. These pages looked real, apart from not being attached to our Regional accounts.
This is a notice to please double-check your sources before clicking on any links, especially if these links come from unknown sources or seem to appear as advertisements. If the Region is making an announcement or request, you will see this on our official Facebook page, on our website, and you will receive it in your email inbox (please subscribe to our News of Note if you’re worried you might miss something).
As we head into the Advent and Christmas season shortly, please beware of email requests from people you know asking for money. Always double check with the person/organization via a quick phone call before handing over financial information.
Best email practices include never clicking on any links that are sent unsolicited, unexpected, or without explanation. For more information visit the Government of Canada’s website.
Internet Safety Refresher
As many of our churches are now live-streaming their services we would like to remind communities of the importance of privacy for in-person church-goers, especially children.
A recent incident in the Region required police intervention when a child’s image was captured during an online service and went undesirably viral on social platforms.
While our leaders might be prepared to be shown online, often our congregants are not, and are not sufficiently warned that this may happen. Please do your best to communicate throughout your building that cameras are in use, and always try to provide a ‘camera-free’ zone for those of vulnerable status (children, refugees, asylum seekers) or for whom privacy is a critical concern.
If something uncomfortable, private, or concerning happens during one of your livestreamed services, please use the utmost discretion and remove the stream from all of your platforms as soon as possible to avoid any spread of private content.
It is important we maintain our sanctuaries as safe spaces even when the walls come down and the digital realm becomes our home. If you would like more information on best online church practices, please look at the selection of workshops ongoing at the churchx platform or check in with your local library or university for recurring internet safety workshops.
With care for your congregations and your content,
PMRC Communications