Urgent: Beware of Phishing Scam
Targeting District 66 Members
We want to alert you to a phishing scam involving fake emails claiming to be from the District Director. These emails may ask you to purchase gift cards or share financial details. Please be cautious and do not respond or provide any information.
How to Spot a Scam Email:
Here are some key indicators that an email might be a scam:
- Check the sender’s email address for subtle differences. Scammers often use addresses that look similar to legitimate ones but have subtle differences.
- Be cautious of urgent or demanding language. Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency or demand immediate action.
- Requests for Gift Cards or Unusual Payments: Legitimate organizations, especially Toastmasters, will never ask you to purchase gift cards or send money via untraceable methods.
- Poor Grammar or Spelling: While not always present, errors can be a red flag.
- Generic Greetings: Be wary of emails that use generic greetings like “Dear Member” instead of your name.
Important Reminder Regarding District Purchases
The District Director will only ask the District Treasurer to make purchases on behalf of the district. Any direct request for purchases from others is likely a scam.
If you receive an email that you suspect is a scam, please:
- Do NOT reply.
- Do NOT click on any links.
- Delete the email immediately.
- Verify legitimacy by contacting the person through a trusted channel (i.e., start a new email to their tmdistrict66 address or another trusted email; text them; or call them.)
Your vigilance protects the district and yourself from these malicious attempts.
Thank you,
District 66 Leadership Team