Temple Email Reminder

Over the past several years, a number of Buddhist ministers have been targeted by phishing scams in which someone creates an email address that appears to belong to a minister or temple leader. Rev. Dennis has occasionally been impersonated in these types of emails.

As a reminder, please take a moment to check the sender’s email address before responding to any unexpected request for money, gift cards, personal information, or other assistance. If something doesn’t seem right, contact Rev. Dennis directly through his official BTOA email address to verify the request.

If you receive a suspicious email claiming to be from Rev. Dennis or another temple representative, please forward it to [email protected]. We can report fraudulent accounts and have successfully had scam accounts removed or blocked in the past.

General Scam Awareness

Unfortunately, scammers are always creating new ways to trick people into sharing personal information or sending money. While the methods change, a few simple habits can help keep you safe:

• If you receive a call, text, or email from an unknown sender, it is usually safest to ignore it. If you are concerned, ask a trusted friend or family member to take a look. Two minds are often better than one.
• Do not click links or open attachments from unknown or unexpected messages.
• Always purchase items online from reputable vendors and trusted websites.
• Never share passwords, temporary verification codes, or account information with unknown individuals.
• If you are unsure whether a message, website, or phone call is legitimate, contact the person or organization directly using a trusted phone number or website.
• Double-check website addresses before entering personal information. For example, government agencies use .gov websites, not .com websites.
• If you receive a message from a family member claiming they are in trouble and need money immediately, verify the request first by calling them directly or contacting another family member.
• Remember that government agencies will never ask you to make payments using gift cards or cryptocurrency.
• If someone is pressuring you to act immediately, stop and take a moment to think. Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to prevent people from verifying the facts.

For those interested in learning more, the Mastick Senior Center frequently offers classes and presentations on scam awareness and fraud prevention. Staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.