Unholy pay-to-pray scam sees California Catholics tricked by bogus priests: report

Real-life Lucifers in priest's garb are luring oblivious parishioners into their ministries in California and milking them for money, according to a report.

The Diocese of Stockton released a public warning to its faithful that tricksters posing as bona fide bishops and priests and speaking Spanish are collecting good-intentioned funds.

"These imposters are misappropriating the identities of genuine priests in Mexico and conducting unauthorized celebrations of baptism, confirmation, First Communion, and house blessings under false pretenses," according to a statement from the diocese.

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The warning notes that the holy hustlers are attempting to fatten their coffers by charging "exorbitant fees" for nominal ceremonies such as conducting "sacraments, teaching classes, and issuing certificates".

They have also allegedly been strong-arming the flock with demands for birth certificates, "raising concerns about human trafficking and identity theft," the diocese said.

Whenever these particular "imposter priests," whom the diocese likens to "wolves in sheep's clothing," have been challenged, the diocese suggests they allegedly "resort to intimidation tactics against anyone questioning their identity or authority, often threatening legal action for defamation, although these threats lack substance."

The tactics have gone beyond charging Catholics "thousands and thousands" of dollars for common ceremonies, but they appear to be charging for attending a service.

"They're even charging people to use the seats they provide at these ceremonies," Diocesan spokesperson Erin Haigh told NBC News. "The Catholic Church would never do that."

The diocese confirmed in the release that it has informed local authorities of the scam.

"However, it has been communicated that only individuals who have personally fallen victim to these imposters can file complaints and initiate investigations," the diocese stated, adding, "The Diocese strongly advises the public not to be deceived by these 'wolves in sheep's clothing.'"