Charity Fraud

Dr. Kluane Spake

How can You as a Christian Protect Yourself From Fraud? Believers must begin to protect themselves from so-called "Christian Con-Artists." They are out there - believe me.

I can't believe it! Here I am sooooo careful, but someone caught me in a scam. The problems was... I loved this individual and didn't expect that it could happen to me. A really close friend. And... you never know who may be waiting to deceive - the most unlikely sometimes. Friends who betray us and break koinonia - they are the ones who can hurt us the most.

We can't be suspicious of everyone - but we need to recognize the signals of deception.Sad to say, there are false ministries and false believers. They seem extremely sincere. 

In earlier days, these kinds of religious con artists were often called "con men." But, you know what? These days there are more and more women who have become "the best" at these con- games.

The philosophy of a good con artist is that "the simple and gullible were put on this earth to be beguiled and tricked." The money of the poor is waiting to be taken.

In my case, the disappointing person was a ministry son. I trusted him to be loyal and covenetal. To this day, I keep hoping that things will turn around and change. I have not turned my back on him. I pray that he will be restored. But it will never happen again. And... he will not be allowed to hurt anyone I know.

Tooo bad that I didn't have a hidden camera like a digital surveillance Cyber Eye operating when it all happened... but... NOW I have survelilance monitoring to help visually record those who might come around to cheat and deceive.

What you really need to know, before we go further, is to be sure you know "how to not to get conned." You must always be alert to the possibility that your trusted friend - man or woman - may be looking to take advantage. There's always a sad story. Always an impossible situation that pulls at your heart strings.

And -- get this. Many times, they use their wives and kids to sweeten the pot of deception and accomplish their goal of getting your money. Remember - their goal is to GET YOUR CASH. Their story is always foolproof. It is smooth and studied. It always will benefit the poor or your ministry. It sounds GREAT - and will happen FAST.

It sounds Fool proof -- except that if we believe them, we become their fool. Here are some good things to remember and follow when Christians ask for your money - whether or not you suspect them of being fraudulent: There are wonderful ministries to whom you should generously support and give. Search them and study them. Know those to whom you give.

Be suspicious of deals that sound too good to be true. Avoid all high-pressure sales efforts.

Don't believe that someone died and left a will to pay you money if you put up earnest money somewhere to show your good intentions.

Don't accept deals for nothing. You always get what you pay for. DAvid said he would not accept that which did not cost him dearly. Do DUE DILLENGANCE. Take your time; research the ministry or the company. Know them. Find out about them before you give them your hard earned money. Read all contracts and agreements before signing. Have a (mean) lawyer examine all major contracts.

Do not accept guilt or manipulation to give. Be suspicious of high-pressure sales tactics.

What do they ask for? Where are your guarantees? Do they truly care for your soul? What happens if something goes wrong and the company goes bankrupt? Get all bsiness deals and agreements in writing. Insist that all these negotiations and agreements be written in plain English -- don't assume that omplex legal jargon is in your favor. Look out for those who appear to be overly Spiritual.

Watch out for those who knock on your door and ask for charity or money for personal reasons. HOME IMPROVEMENT FRAUD This is a very common way to lose your $$$ to so-called Christians who say they want to help you with your house (or car). AS you know these improvements and repairs are expensive.

Be careful: Avoid those "free" inspections from the person who just "happened" to be in the neighborhood. The more popular home-improvement frauds include roof repair, room painting, pressure washing, bugproofing, driveway sealing, and even inspection for termites.

Look out if they tell you they can do your expensive job for an incrediblly low price. Get a guarantee of products to be used. Try these ideas to avoid home repair fraud: Ask your neighbors for recommendations.

Arrange to make the payments in installments. ALWAYS pay by check - never with cash.

Get a dog and also a dog alarm ready in case anyone tries to enter your house when you are alone. Ask the firm for references - and CHECK THEM! Check for the identification of all "inspectors."

Always check to see if they intend to charge you for their estimates. Get three to four estimates for each job you need and then compare the various prices and the itemized terms. Before you authorize any work, contact the the Loan Consumer Affairs office or Better Business Bureau in order to check their company reputation. REmember - "con artists" can not only be cheaters, they can be dangerous. Consider having self defense products. And have Hidden Cameras operating on you doors.