10/31/2026
SCAM ALERT: Fake emails pretending to be Lodge officers and members
Please be aware: some members have received fake emails that appear to come from our Exalted Ruler, Monte “Grubb” Hodgson. These are scams. Grubb did not send them.
The scammers may also pretend to be other people in our Lodge, including current officers, past officers, and members. Any name you know could be used. If you get an unexpected request from anyone connected to the Lodge, treat it with caution.
The messages may not all look the same. One version has the subject "Request: Colville Lodge #1753" and says something like, "Are you less busy at the moment? I got a request for you to manage," claiming he is at the doctor and can't take calls. Yours may have a different subject, different wording, or a different story.
WHAT TO DO
1. Do not reply.
2. Do not click any links or open any attachments.
3. Delete the message.
If you already replied, please don't be embarrassed. It happens to people every day. Just don't do anything else they ask.
HOW TO SPOT A SCAM EMAIL
- It is vague. Real requests have details. Scams say things like "Are you available?" or "I need a favor."
- It says "don't call, just email." Scammers don't want you to hear a real voice or double-check with the real person.
- It creates pressure or secrecy. "Urgent," "I'm in a meeting," or "keep this between us" are red flags.
- It eventually asks for money. Gift cards, wire transfers, and payment apps are the most common. Lodge officers will not ask you to buy gift cards or send money by generic email or text.
- The sender's address looks off. Tap or click the sender's name to see the actual email address. A real person's name can be put on any address.
- The writing is a little odd. Stiff greetings, strange wording, or a signature that doesn't sound like the person.
THE SIMPLE RULE
If any message asks you to do something and you're not sure, call the person using a phone number you already have. Don't use any number or link in the message itself. Even if it doesn't match the example above, trust your instincts.
