Got an email purporting to be from SAM National President McDonald requesting a donation. Is this genuine, or some sort of scam? (click on the links in the email & it takes you to a phony SAM site - that kind of thing). Not that I mind being asked for a donation, or donating for that matter, but the email seemed just possibly a bit suspicious.

It appears to be on the level - as long as you sign in to the SAM site as you regularly do - there should be no problem. It is when you are asked to click on a link that the phishers provide that you start to get skinned.

I contacted Manon Rodriguez at the S.A.M. The letter is legitimate.

This economy has been especially hard on both organizations. Both are struggling through major drops in memberships, struggling to keep membership affordable, and constantly rising costs. If each I.B.M. and SAM member would make an effort to recruit just one new member a year, it would make a massive difference. The leadership of these two guilds are working hard to keep them around for future magicians. Count me in!

Skip

No response from SAM?

If SAM is really in need of funds, they should at least find a better way than their current email concerning 2015 dues. This is the second year in a row that they have sent me incorrect data links. I will pay when I get a proper invoice in the mail.

I would have liked to have seen a more coordinated and better communicated campaign. My local executive knew nothing of the request until it was shared by the membership. Happy to support but would like some more details.