Posted on 11/01/2011 5:33:20 AM PDT by markomalley
With confidence and zeal, Ephren Taylor riveted audiences at mostly black churches with a resume of his impressive accomplishments and an uncanny business sense. He had the blessing of top clergy as he gave financial seminars from the pulpit on Sundays, promising rock-solid investments.
But two lawsuits filed in October claim the 29-year-old Mr. Taylor was a con artist who targeted worshippers throughout at least five states on the East Coast since 2004, swindling tens of millions of dollars in a Ponzi scheme.
“He knew if he went to a Christian African-American and said, ‘I can take your hard-earned investment money, and you’re going to earn more money, but more importantly you’re going to do good for your church and community,’ that they would fall for it hook, line and sinker,” said Cathy Lerman, an attorney who sued Mr. Taylor in North Carolina.
The allegations have tarnished Mr. Taylor, who resigned last year after becoming the chief executive of the holding company City Capital, which had been based in North Carolina, when he was 23. Worshippers often would be asked to invest in real estate and businesses tied to the holding company.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
Wiser heads than mine have driven home the point: that if someone is trying to sell you something and appeals to your religion, ethnicity or tribe RATHER than on the merits of his product or service, watch out!
“Guaranteed returns?!?” And ol’ Bernie Madoff aimed his pitch at his fellow Upper West-Side joooz.
The Apostles followed Jesus to the hilt and they all but one were martyred - is that where the “Prosperity Bible” gets its example?
Or maybe it’s that call to “pick up your cross and follow me”...something lost in translation.
Saint Paul traveled the world, exotic places. We wont talk about Jesus’ example, except His clothes...
Don’t understand what you are saying.
The name it claim it God wants you rich is a bunch of bullbutter.
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