Table of contents
- “The Pope” writes to you on WhatsApp
- Why it actually works
- The hidden dangers
- How to defend yourself
In recent years, online scams have stopped looking like amateur tricks. Today they speak the language of emotions, relationships, and even spirituality.
Cybercriminals no longer just promise sudden inheritances or lottery winnings: they now wear unsuspected masks, exploiting the trust millions of people place in religious and institutional figures.
“The Pope” writes to you on WhatsApp
One of the most disturbing examples is the spread of fake profiles on Facebook. At first glance, they look authentic: photos of the Pope or a cardinal, Bible verses, images of crosses and rosaries. The setup is perfect to build credibility.
Then comes the crucial step: “Write to me on WhatsApp.” That’s when the trap is sprung. In a private, less monitored space, scammers ask for donations for supposed charitable causes, harvest personal data, or push victims toward risky financial transactions.
Why it actually works
These scams succeed because they exploit devotion. Someone who believes they are speaking to the Pope or a high-ranking clergyman is unlikely to doubt the legitimacy of the request. The result? Lowered defenses and a willingness to share their phone number, bank account, or even send money “in the name of faith.”
But behind that profile, there’s no religious authority just a scammer skilled at manipulating deep emotions like trust and hope.
The hidden dangers
Behind the promise of helping a charitable cause lie concrete threats:
- Identity theft, if sensitive data is shared.
- Financial loss, if donations are made.
- Further blackmail, since once criminals have your data, they can exploit it for new scams.
How to defend yourself
Against this kind of fraud, one weapon is key: awareness.
- No Pope or cardinal will ever contact you via WhatsApp.
- Profiles pushing for private conversations should be reported immediately.
- Never share money or personal details with strangers, even if they claim to be authorities.
Conclusion
Faith is a precious value, but it should never become an excuse to let your guard down. Scammers know that devotion can turn into vulnerability, and that’s why they disguise themselves as spiritual guides.
Real protection lies in knowing how to separate the sacred from the fake, without confusing spirituality with the traps of the digital world.
