Can you give me some tips on preventing religious fraud?
How do I check to see if a church, ministry or non-profit organization is legitimate?
Here are some organizations that collect financial information about non-profits.
— And be sure to download their “donor alert” pdf file.
Better Business Bureau reports on charities
Guidestar collects financial reports for donors
990 Finder — search through form 990s (churches are exempt from filing, most televangelists claim their organizations are churches)
Where do I go to research a ministry’s theological beliefs?
Here are some resources that discuss both the ministry’s stated beliefs and whatever controversy they may be involved in.
Apostasy Alert — Jackie Alnor
Spanish, Español? Have a loved-one or friend that only speaks Spanish? Spanish religious fraud website here…
Years ago I gave $1000 to lesea roadcast believing Mike Murdock. I am an idiot.
A baby isn’t a stumbler when it falls while learning to walk. Your’re not an idiot when you do something idiotic. Simply learn from you’re mistakes (mis steps) and press on toward the goal.
Dear friend,
I am a pastor. I am very much against prosperity theology and fake healings. I just watch Miracles for Sale last night and I was very much touched by the story you told about the 14-year-old girl who killed herself because the so-called-preacher said that she had secret sins. I want to know whether you have any documentation about this event. I live in a place where claims and counterclaims are made and it gets confusing. I don’t want to use that girl’s example without being sure of the sources. I will search your website for your answer – if someone has already raised that question and you have answered it emphatically. I will come back to this page to see your answer if it has not been made available elsewhere. Thank you for your work. I am really impressed by your bravery to fight these godless charlatans.
Dear Withheld at “fake email”, This happened so long ago with our organization’s aging president that there would be no way to verify it. However, we appreciate your encouragement and verbal support.–admin