It’s one of the worst things they could do, prey on people who are susceptible because they trust you implicitly. But that is exactly what conmen do – they take advantage of you because of your faith and end up making you lose all your hard-earned money. Religious affinity frauds exist because people trust in their faith and because they are not aware of the lengths that fraudsters go through in order to cheat people out of their money through illegal means. If you are not sure what a religious affinity fraud is, let me explain.
If someone affiliated to your church or your religion comes to you with an investment scheme that pays high returns and asks you to put your money into it, you’re liable to do so, because after all, according to you, a fellow Christian cannot be a bad person out to rob you of your money. But, the truth is that you and hundreds of others are being cheated because of your gullibility. You not only don’t make any additional money through the process, you also end up losing your initial investment too. You can save yourself from becoming a victim of such frauds by:
- Not trusting people blindly: No matter how well you know someone or think you can trust them, always tread with caution when it comes to shelling out your hard earned money. Ask questions about the scheme and let them know that you are aware of all the scams that are taking place regularly in today’s world. And above all, be aware that just because a person is a fellow Christian, it does not mean that he or she is a good person who will not cheat you.
- Checking out the investment thoroughly: If you do want to invest your money in the scheme, check it out thoroughly using the Internet and other alternative avenues. Call people who know enough about financial investments and give them details so that they can check the legitimacy of the scheme. Only if you are sure that it is legitimate, go ahead with the investment.
- Not becoming too greedy: Avarice is a sin, not just because the Bible tells us it is, but because nothing good can come of greed. It leaves us wanting more and more, no matter how much we already have. So if you invest in religious affinity schemes hoping to earn much more money than is normally possible, your greed is going to be your downfall. Desist from this emotion and you and your money are safe.
The smartest way to save yourself from becoming a victim of religious affinity schemes is to be aware and not trust people blindly.
This guest article was written by Adrienne Carlson, who regularly writes on the topic of online christian colleges. Adrienne welcomes your comments and questions.
Amen from Bene’s house finance professor. The old saw “If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is” fits all to well in finance.
One good rule of thumb is that the stock market usually returns about 10% a year; anything much over that has to be overly risky. If they promise more that 10% a year risk-free in normal circumstances when conventional risk-free investments are under 5% (right now, it’s near zero), they’re either deluded or lying through their teeth, probable the latter.
Also, you can have shysters at any church. The church body isn’t perfect, just forgiven, as the old saw goes.
You would not believe how many scammers and con artists target churches too. It’s incredible. I work at a church, and I get about 1 per week! It’s mindblowing.
Also, you can have shysters at any church. The church body isn’t perfect, just forgiven, as the old saw goes.
Mark
You are not saying that the church body can commit all kinds of sins including thievery because they are forgiven or the “once saved always saved” nonsense?
How do you handle handle that there is no forgiveness for willful sin but only judgement?
Walter: I’ve removed the copious bible verses you added, it’s fair to ask another commenter questions, but I’m at the stage where I will close this blog down if people don’t stick to topic. Thanks – BD
Hi Therese:
This is a guest poster, attempting to get her writing out there. I’ve removed your comment, please show her respect and stick to topic. Thanks – BD