Q: An older woman from a foreign country, who calls herself a prophet, appeared at our church and solicited financial support from our congregants in exchange for praying over our cathedral for approximately six months. An affluent member of the church volunteered to let her stay in his home. No one knows anything about this woman—who is quite assertive—and exactly where she is from. She continually talks about not having any money for her trips, and yet she wears expensive jewelry and outfits. Some of us are concerned. How can a church protect itself from such strangers showing up and taking advantage of the generosity of members of a congregation?
Fraud in Churches: A Growing Concern
According to some reports, nearly two-thirds of all financial frauds are promoted through common church involvement. Fraudsters exploit the trust developed within church communities and the lack of financial sophistication of many members. This trust-based environment makes congregations particularly vulnerable to scams.
Recognizing Red Flags
- Individuals seeking monetary resources or investments from members or the church should be approached with caution.
- Signs such as inconsistent stories or a mismatch between appearances (e.g., expensive clothing and jewelry) and requests for financial help should raise concerns.
- Assertive or overly insistent behavior may also be a warning sign.
Steps to Protect Your Church
The church should take the following actions to protect its members from fraud:
- Verify Background: Ask the individual for information about their residence and places of worship for the last five years.
- Request References: Seek pastoral and personal references covering the same period.
- Conduct Background Checks: Hire a private investigator to run criminal background checks and credit reports. These reports typically cost a few hundred dollars and can reveal critical information.
- Set a Clear Timeline: Expect the individual to provide the requested information within a day or two. Delays or refusals to cooperate should be treated as red flags.
- Take Action if Necessary: If the individual cannot provide satisfactory information, the church should request that they leave the congregation and refrain from contacting members.
Reporting to Authorities
If the church suspects fraudulent activity, it should report its concerns to local law enforcement. This step ensures that any potential exploitation is properly documented and investigated.
Conclusion
Church leaders have a responsibility to safeguard their members from financial exploitation. By implementing these proactive measures, churches can foster a secure environment that protects congregants from fraud while maintaining trust and integrity within the community.
FAQs on Fraud in Churches
- How can we identify potential fraudsters in our church? Look for inconsistencies in their stories, unexplained wealth, or aggressive solicitation of funds.
- What steps should we take to verify someone’s background? Request references, conduct background checks, and ask for detailed personal and professional information.
- What should we do if someone refuses to provide information? Politely ask them to leave and refrain from contacting members. Report any suspicions to the authorities.
- How can we educate our congregation about fraud? Regularly discuss fraud prevention strategies during church meetings and distribute informational materials.
