Miami churches a front for money laundering and fraud (Miami Lakes: crime, mortgage)

[tropical87]

Is nothing sacred in this city?

I saw on the news today how an investigation into some churches here in Miami were fronts for swindling money and duping people in to giving to donations to charities that don't exist. The donations of many churches go to lining the pockets of those working in the church, and not to those who need it. One was 'Miami Christians for the needy' (MCN) and the Baptist Church.

They talked about another Church (don't know the name) that was coaxing donations and forced elderly people to hand over social security cheques.

here is some advice on how to be careful

Crime Watch: Be careful when giving to charities - Miami-Dade - MiamiHerald.com

[straight shooter]

Does not surprise me at all. People can't imagine the amount of businesses that are a fronts in this county. We are talking about banks, nurseries, dollar stores, grocery stores, and restaurants. Businesses that deal with a lot of cash are ideal.

[Coconut1]

Ain't just Miami churches! Churches are some of the biggest scams out there when it comes to money. I can't tell you how often I've seen preachers rolling around town in their new BMWs and pulling up to their McMansions.

[miami_zed]

Originally Posted by Coconut1

Ain't just Miami churches! Churches are some of the biggest scams out there when it comes to money. I can't tell you how often I've seen preachers rolling around town in their new BMWs and pulling up to their McMansions.

Word. I know someone who attends a certain mini-megachurch *cough*elrejesus*cough*. The pastor tells everyone to buy all the 100 books he has written. They also ask people to do work for them around the church and other events for free. Some of those people who attend are homeless and are jumping between houses. Does the church help them? No. They don't even have jobs. Their leaders have told them that church is more important than work and that they don't need to work. Meanwhile they go around doing "street miracles" and recruiting. It's a pyramid scheme.

[straight shooter]

Originally Posted by miami_zed

Word. I know someone who attends a certain mini-megachurch *cough*elrejesus*cough*. The pastor tells everyone to buy all the 100 books he has written. They also ask people to do work for them around the church and other events for free. Some of those people who attend are homeless and are jumping between houses. Does the church help them? No. They don't even have jobs. Their leaders have told them that church is more important than work and that they don't need to work. Meanwhile they go around doing "street miracles" and recruiting. It's a pyramid scheme.

It is like you say fundraising, selling and recruiting only. They never help anyone in need, especially during these difficult times. Pastors are some of the most materialistic and greedy people around. Sadly, almost all churches are nothing more than a business, a tax free business I should say.

[angelscorpio]

That's why ppl should turn back to the only truly church which is the Catholic. Beside it's cheaper since nobody obligate there to donate their 10% of their wages which do is an obligation in all sects or cults from the separated brothers called Christians. Most ppl in Catholic church donate 1 miserable buck in average only on weekends, and considering there only 300 parishioners in average x 6 masses = 1.800 rounded to 2.000 just to pay wages, housekeeper, secretary, maintenance, mortgage and improvements. And with that thigh contribution they DO give away groceries and support families who are in ordeals with donations, send money to disasters, collect second hand clothes, buy Christmas gifts for poor kids and others.

Also, they donate large breads for families, assist with blood donation for the need, they offer regularly breakfasts for free, they do arts, fairs, festivals, etc... You do feel happy donating because you DO see with your own eyes the monies invested not only in the church but also in families in need and the priest has a modest car with no luxuries at all. I am not sure other churches but mine which is Our mother of redeemer in Miami Lakes is great!

I think the only ones to blame here are the ignorant ppl who practically allow others to put their money into their pockets, like when politicians buy votes with a breakfast from elderlies do before elections.

Ask God to guide you to the truly churches still available and he will show you the right path.

[WINTERFRONT]

Angelscorpio

I heard from some catholics that the christian god has spoken to them in different occasions and that they heard his voice. Do you think this is actually possible?

[hiknapster]

Anytime someone says "one true church" or the "only true religion" I run the other way.

[doggiebus]

Originally Posted by Coconut1

Ain't just Miami churches! Churches are some of the biggest scams out there when it comes to money. I can't tell you how often I've seen preachers rolling around town in their new BMWs and pulling up to their McMansions.

So true ... this isn't surprising especially when were talking about religion the biggest scam of all time.

[tallrick]

I have a rule of not giving to established charities. Their overpaid executives do not need my donations. Even in Publix I was solicited for donations, which I publicly refused. If I know someone needs help, and I can I will. As for the "one church" just look at how they performed through history.