FBI Warns LDS Church Members of ‘Affinity Fraud’

FBI officials in Salt Lake City are warning members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that they may be the targets of white-collar crimes.

“These perpetrators are wolves in sheep’s clothing, right? They are great salesmen,” said Agent Michael Pickett, supervisor of the white collar crime unit. “They will come with a plan on how to solicit investors… and part of that plan is, will be they want to prey on the fears of those potential victims, identify what those fears are, and then begin to prey on them.”

It’s a type of fraud known as “affinity fraud,” or financial crimes based on bonds of trust. According to the FBI, affinity fraud crimes are especially prevalent in Utah.

John Huber, Utah’s U.S. Attorney, spoke more about the LDS targets of white collar crime.

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