How To Avoid Email Scams

September 4th, 2025

Friends,

It has come to my attention that yet another phishing email has gone out in my name. I wanted to publish the exact text of the email here so I can walk through how you might spot these “phishing emails”.

From: Rev Heather Sparkman <revheathersparkman@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Sep 1, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Subject: First United Methodist Church of Olympia

Hi,
I hope you're doing well. I'm reaching out because I've run into a bit of a bind and could really use your help. It's something I'd prefer to keep between us, and I'd appreciate it if we could handle it over email.
When you have a moment, please write back to me at your earliest convenience - it would mean a lot.

Peace and grace,
Rev Heather Sparkman
Lead Pastor
First United Methodist Church of Olympia

Notice, this email does not come from my official work email. Any official email from FUMCO will always be from an email that ends with @fumcoly.org.

Next, no staff member from FUMCO will EVER ask you for help and ask to “keep it between us.” If we have a specific request, we will still always ask that you give through OFFICIAL FUMCO giving portals. We will never ask for cash or gift cards to be emailed, or anything that can’t be traced through our official accounting system. If we do ask for gift cards (we do this at Christmas time for Madison Elementary’s giving tree) we will ask for them to be brought in person to the church office.

Also, notice that this phishing email asks for an email response. If you get an email like this and you are unsure if it is coming from the church, please call us. No request will be so urgent that it cannot be vetted through a phone call. If the church office is closed, please do not reply to the email or give any money (of any kind!) Wait until you talk to a trusted person from the church office.

I am so sorry that we keep getting “phished”. The number one way to avoid these scams is to verify before replying so give us a call if you have any questions!

Grace and peace,
Pastor Heather