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86 SNAKES IN SUITS
“Amen,” sighed the others. This had been a rough month for the
parish. Many were shocked about what had happened, but all had
come to the painful realization that they had been taken in by one of
their own.
The detectives had explained to the congregation during a parish
meeting that they were victims of what experts call an “affinity”
fraud—a deception in which a person uses the appearance of shared
personal beliefs and values to con a group into investing in phony
business deals. Sam had been that person. He had joined the church
nine months earlier and had become an active parishioner. He was
bright, well liked, and, above all else, trusted. So much so that several
members had invested their own money in some business deals he
had going. These “opportunities” seemed safe and profitable. The
early dividends were sizable—and had been for some time, judging
by the high-quality clothes Sam wore, the luxury car he drove, and
the big house he owned across town.
Sam’s approach was always the same, according to the detectives.
He would move into town, join a church or temple with a large congregation
and several donation-funded community outreach programs,
and then become increasingly active as a volunteer. Newcomers
always attract attention and stimulate curiosity, and Sam’s seemingly
endless energy, unwavering sincerity, and positive outlook led many
parishioners to seek him out for friendship. Conversations would
naturally turn toward how he made a living, and Sam would share
his story. In so many words, Sam explained that he was once a highflying
investment banker who realized the shallowness of his chosen
profession only after his young wife and infant daughter died in a
horrible car accident. His resulting bout with depression, alcohol,
and pills finally led him to understand the Creator had something
more in store for his life. Sam quit his job and moved out of his fancy
penthouse apartment to fulfill his newly found purpose. Because he
continued to do well with his investments, he didn’t have to work,
but could dedicate his life to helping others, and give back to the
community in the name and spirit of his lost family.
Eventually, folks from the parish approached Sam, seeking per-