There’s a sense of community when watching a favorite “Influencer”. But have you ever been asked to send the person cash in the mail, or received hints of things they need. If so, you may have encountered a scam.
How can that be possible when the person goes to church and/or preaches the teachings of their faith. How in the world could simply requesting cash be a scam? Think of the extremely well-dressed preachers in church passing the collection plate, but gifting their wife $5,000 luxury purses. Reaching into your purse transfers to the preacher who then transfers the money to a gift for his wife.
Favorite channels may be doing the same thing, just in a less visible way. It’s hard for me to enjoy watching channels because there are so many smile-in-your-face hustlers preaching the word so to speak, but then filling their pockets with PO Box gifts and yes, even cash. I don’t understand how someone can speak on God then act like God is blessing them with “faithful viewers” who shower them with gifts. It’s not organic, it’s premeditated. It’s a hustle, a scam. They do it with a smile. Women seem to dominate this style of hustle. Where are the men of God in their lives that can stand up to these women.
Some of these folks are banking your money, your gifts and putting God on top of it like frosting on a cake. Narcissism is an over-used word in today’s world but there are highly narcissistic people who present as good while they are hustling you. I see this with older audiences. It happens to older people and it’s unconscionable to rip off elders. But they do it. And they do it with a big smile of gratitude. As if that makes it ok. And then talk about how God is blessing them.
