Scams, Lies, and False Teaching

By Pastor Kevin Van Wyk
Some of the staff received emails claiming to be from me and asking for gift cards to give to the staff. They made it appear I had written it and attempted to deceive the staff into doing what seemed like a good thing.
 
A member’s computer was hacked and locked until they paid the hacker.
 
Yet another member has been deceived into sending money to a relative, who was apparently arrested. They involved two different people in the phone call: someone to impersonate the relative and then another to impersonate an attorney. 
 
I’ve been deceived by a mechanic, well probably more than one, but I wasn’t bright enough to notice. The one I speak of convinced me the best route to go would be to give him the car to cover towing fees. He turned around and sold it for $1200. Ouch! 
 
There is virus, other than Covid-19, in our world, and it’s just as destructive and troubling. Evil is present. The “Ruler of the kingdom of the air” (Eph. 2:2) is spreading lies and deception everywhere we look. 
 
So be aware, “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)  However, we are to “be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” (Matt. 10:16) When you get that call, see that email, read that Facebook post, or hear the “truth” on the news, please ask if could this be deception. 
 
Step back from any decision and pray. Ask God for wisdom and direction. 
 
It’s sad that these scams are increasing during difficult times.* Who preys on the hurting and vulnerable? Who crushes the one on their knees? Who slaps those who weep? 
 
Lord, may your Spirit convict those who prey on the innocent. Humble them that they may repent and reconcile their wrongs. Help us see our own evil ways, to repent, and chose the better path. Reveal deception and enable us to speak truth in love. 
 
https://www.forbes.com/sites/advisoruk/2020/04/24/fraud-goes-viral-scams-to-beware-perpetrated-by-covid-19-criminals/#4c24066c6b4c