Founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners Chapel), Bishop David Oyedepo, has lamented the growing presence of 419 (fraudsters) in churches and other sectors of society, recounting an encounter involving an alleged impersonator who used his identity to scam unsuspecting victims.

Oyedepo disclosed this while delivering a sermon during a midweek service last week, where he narrated how an individual recently impersonated him in an attempt to extort money.

According to the cleric, the suspected fraudster contacted one of his assistants, claiming to be Bishop Oyedepo and making certain demands.

“We had an experience some time back when someone was claiming to be me and that I was asking for something,” he said.

He explained that the attempt was exposed when his assistant decided to verify the claim by placing a call.

“My assistant called and the person said, ‘Can I speak to Bishop Oyedepo?’ My assistant said, yes, you can talk to him. He could not wait to make findings and ended up cursing himself,” Oyedepo recounted.

The cleric warned that fraudsters are now exploiting religion and using the identities of prominent figures for criminal activities.

“That is the world we live in today. 419 plenty in church, plenty in market, school and everywhere,” he said.

Oyedepo urged worshippers and the general public to be discerning and committed to truth at all times.

“Walk in the truth and you will never be trapped,” he added. (TRIBUNE)