Police Warn Area Churches of Possible Scam

Police Warn Area Churches of Possible Scam

The Police Department is advising area churches to be vigilant about a male in his mid to late-30’s that has been attending area church services and committing alleged fraudulent practices to obtain money from members of the congregations and church funds. 

The individual is believed to have attended several area church services and different religious denominations.  The individual asked church members for money to help him pay for luggage fees and airline tickets to fly overseas to the Middle East where his parents were killed in a roadside bombing. 

The suspect usually requests to make an announcement before church services start or when visitors are asked to introduce themselves.  At that time, the suspect tells those in attendance at the church service that his parents have been killed in Syria and that he needs money to fly home to be with other family members.   The story is believed to be false and the suspect is believed to have been engaged in similar fraud throughout the United States. 

The act of acquiring money by deception is considered theft.  The Police Department encourages anyone that is approached by a subject requesting money or presenting a suspicious deal to contact police. 

If any church or other religious institution is believed to have been the victim of this alleged scam, please contact Investigator DeMoss at 319-286-5485. 

Disclaimer:  Any arrest information included above is based on the legal conclusion that, as with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.