Lake City police warn of scam targeting elderly churchgoers

LAKE CITY, Fla. – The Lake City Police Department is warning people of a confirmed scam that has occurred locally.

Police said the scammers approached people identifying themselves as a traveling prophet and healer.

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They are primarily targeting elderly citizens who attend church and ask them to open a bank account to support them and their church as they travel, police said.

The scammers deposit counterfeit "mobile deposit" checks and then ask the victim to make a withdrawal once the deposits are made. 

The victim is then held accountable when the checks are discovered later to be fake.

Police are asking the public to be aware of this scam and to not open bank accounts for others. Legitimate faith-based organizations have others means to collect income.

If anyone encounters the scam, they are asked to call the Lake City Police Department immediately.