Growing concern about fake miracle workers among the most vulnerable

City of Pawtucket, November 21, 2025 (Bravanews) - The Cape Verdean community in the United States is once again confronted with a wave of individuals who, using religious discourse and invoking the name of God, try to deceive vulnerable people with false promises of healing, miracles and the resolution of personal problems. The phenomenon, which is gaining momentum especially in outlying towns and among emotionally and economically fragile families, is causing great concern among community leaders and local authorities.

Nov 21, 2025 - 16:14
Nov 20, 2025 - 16:20
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Growing concern about fake miracle workers among the most vulnerable
Growing concern about fake miracle workers among the most vulnerable

According to reports gathered in recent months, these individuals present themselves as "prophets", "healers", "pastors" or "spiritual teachers", guaranteeing supernatural power to transform lives - but always through payments, product sales, obligatory offers or financial commitments that often leave the victims in an even more delicate situation. They use appealing speeches, promise immediate results and mainly exploit people who are going through challenges such as long-term illnesses, family crises, immigration problems or economic difficulties.

The local authorities point out that this type of practice, as well as being morally reprehensible, is illegal, as it amounts to fraud and abuse of trust. Sources linked to the security forces warn that organized groups have taken advantage of the expansion of small communities to infiltrate and gain credibility, manipulating the faith of others with the sole intention of making a profit.

"This is a worrying phenomenon, because it affects people's faith, but above all human frailty," said a community source who has been closely following recent cases. "Many families seek spiritual help, which is legitimate, but end up falling into the hands of individuals who use the name of God as a tool for manipulation."

In addition to promises of miracles, there are reports of situations in which these false leaders recommend that victims abandon medical treatments, break off family relationships or hand over personal possessions as a form of "spiritual proof". The consequences have been severe, ranging from significant financial losses to deep psychological damage.

Various genuine community and religious organizations reinforce the call for caution and denunciation. They advise no one to hand over money or goods to unknown people, not to get involved in non-transparent practices, and to always seek spiritual support from recognized institutions led by figures of proven credibility.

The authorities reiterate that they are available to receive complaints and remind us that it is essential to combat these acts of exploitation in order to protect the most vulnerable. "Faith is an intimate and sacred space, but when it is used as an instrument of manipulation it becomes dangerous. The community needs to remain vigilant," warned a local official.

Meanwhile, community leaders are calling for unity and the sharing of information to stop the advance of these false "miracle workers" who, using religious symbols and emotionally seductive speeches, try to consolidate themselves at the expense of the pain of others. The warning remains: faith should not be confused with abuse, and any suspicions should be reported to the competent authorities.