Introduction

This chapter discusses ways in which structure and power may be conducive to abuse, can also be made for fraud. It also offers a comparative overview of the concept of religious fraud by combining papers about different types of fraud. The chapter focuses on minority religions, beliefs and/or practices, lifestyles that are considered outside the mainstream. Coleman, who discusses Prosperity Christianity, argues that fraud engenders epistemological as well as motivational questions, hence we should be aware of the function of accusations of fraud in our society. What is referred to as ecclesiastical crime', as well as so-called pyramid and Ponzi schemes within religious communities, are essentially variations on affinity fraud they rely on people with shared interests and affinities, who feel part of a particular community. Fraud is a crime in criminal and civil law, but there are deceptions and confidence tricks that do not necessarily always attract the attentions of the authorities.