Catholic Diocese in Ivory Coast Sounds the Alarm about Fraudsters Impersonating Bishop to Solicit Funds

In brief

The Catholic Diocese of Abengourou in Ivory Coast issued a notice on Wednesday, September 16, warning the public that fraudsters are impersonating Bishop Jean-Pierre Tanoh Tiémélé to solicit money.

The secretariat of the bishop's office stated that one or more individuals are using the bishop's name and identity to make fraudulent financial requests. The diocese clarified that Bishop Tiémélé does not authorize these activities and will never ask for money to meet personal needs or request money transfers and other financial transactions on his behalf.

Diocesan authorities urged Catholics and the general public to be cautious of messages, phone calls, social media accounts, or online profiles that use the bishop's identity to ask for funds. The secretariat advised people not to respond to or pay any such solicitations and to report these incidents immediately. The notice did not identify the individuals involved in the alleged fraud.