WHY YOU SHOULD SHINE YOUR EYES: NEW WAYS FALSE PROPHETS ARE USING TO DUPE AND SCAM THEIR MEMBERS (NWASIR AGUWA)

 

Why You Should Shine Your Eyes: New Ways False Prophets Are Using to Dupe and Scam Their Members

Religion is one of the most powerful forces shaping human society. For millions across the globe—and especially in Africa—faith offers hope, healing, and guidance in the face of life’s struggles. Sadly, this deep spiritual hunger is also being exploited by people who wear the cloak of “prophet” but have nothing prophetic about them. They come as “men and women of God,” but in truth, they are wolves in sheep’s clothing. Their mission? To enrich themselves while leaving their members poor, broken, and disillusioned.

In Nigerian slang, we often say, “shine your eyes.” It means, “Be alert, don’t be deceived.” And in today’s world where false prophets are multiplying like never before, this advice has never been more relevant.

This blog takes a deep look at why you should shine your eyes, exposing the new ways false prophets are using to dupe and scam their members. If you’ve ever wondered how people with sharp minds fall for their tricks, you’ll find answers here. And if you’ve ever been tempted to run after “instant miracles” and “fast blessings,” this is your warning signal.

The Age-Old Problem of False Prophets

False prophets are not new. Even in the Bible, Jesus warned His disciples that many will come in His name, performing signs and wonders to deceive—even the elect (Matthew 24:24). The Old Testament prophets also battled fake seers who prophesied lies for profit.

The problem today is that modern false prophets have advanced. They are no longer just local herbalists wearing white garments; they are now media-savvy, using technology, psychology, and even business tactics to manipulate people. They run churches like corporations, perform staged miracles like Nollywood dramas, and design spiritual “products” like marketers selling soap.

Why People Fall for False Prophets

Before exploring the new tricks, let’s understand why millions are still falling victim despite endless warnings:

1. Poverty and Desperation – In societies where unemployment and suffering are high, people want quick solutions. A prophet promising instant wealth, visas, or marriage becomes attractive.

2. Ignorance of Scripture – Many Christians rarely read the Bible for themselves. They depend solely on whatever their “man of God” says, even when it contradicts God’s word.

3. Emotional Manipulation – People battling sickness, family issues, or heartbreak are emotionally vulnerable. A false prophet exploits those emotions.

4. Culture of Fear and Respect – In Africa, especially, religious leaders are given godlike reverence. Members hardly question them.

5. Desire for the Supernatural – Humans naturally crave mysteries and miracles. False prophets exploit this curiosity with staged wonders.

New Ways False Prophets Are Scamming Members

Now let’s “shine our eyes” at some of the most modern strategies these spiritual scammers are using.

1. The Business of “Prophetic Seeds”

Gone are the days when offerings were voluntary. Today’s false prophet has rebranded giving into a compulsory “prophetic seed.”

• They ask members to sow seeds for everything: a job promotion seed, visa seed, marriage seed, even a seed for protection against death.

• They quote out-of-context Bible verses like “Give and it shall be given unto you” to guilt-trip members.

• Some even sell different categories of blessings: ₦50,000 for a one-week miracle, ₦200,000 for a lifetime breakthrough.

This is spiritual extortion disguised as faith.

2. Staged Miracles with Paid Actors

False prophets are now directors of religious Nollywood. Many hire people to act as blind, crippled, or demon-possessed, only to “heal” them during service.

• Some use professional actors who move from church to church.

• Others use hidden microphones and insider information to perform “word of knowledge” as if God revealed it.

• In South Africa, one prophet once pretended to resurrect a dead man who was clearly alive. The video went viral and exposed the fraud.

These performances are designed to attract more followers and more money.

3. The Digital Scam: Online Prophecy and Prayer Platforms

Technology has given false prophets new ground to exploit.

• They run WhatsApp or Telegram prayer groups where they collect “registration fees.”

• They stream fake miracles on Facebook or YouTube, encouraging online followers to sow seeds through mobile money.

• Some even use fake testimonials from bots and edited videos to “prove” miracles.

It’s religion turned into a tech scam.

4. Holy Water, Anointing Oil, and Spiritual Merchandise

Merchandising faith is now a billion-dollar industry.

• Members are told to buy “holy water” for healing, “miracle salt” for wealth, or “prophetic wristbands” for protection.

• These items are sold at inflated prices, often imported cheaply from abroad.

• One Nigerian prophet once sold “heavenly perfume” for over ₦50,000, claiming it would attract destiny helpers.

Instead of trusting God, members are tricked into buying spiritual souvenirs.

5. Manipulating Dreams and Fear Tactics

False prophets thrive on fear.

• They tell members that their enemies are after them.

• They claim to see evil spirits in a dream and prescribe costly “deliverance” sessions.

• Some tell members to cut ties with family and friends, isolating them so they can control them better.

The more fear they plant, the more dependent the member becomes.

6. Fake Prophetic Marriages

Another new trick is manipulating people desperate for love and marriage.

• A prophet may “prophesy” that a certain man or woman is your God-ordained spouse.

• They sometimes force members into relationships to control family wealth.

• In some shocking cases, prophets themselves “marry” vulnerable female members under the excuse of divine instruction.

This is spiritual abuse disguised as prophecy.

7. The Visa and Job Prophecy Industry

False prophets know many Africans dream of traveling abroad.

• They collect money for “special prayers” to open international doors.

• They stage testimonies of people who supposedly got visas after sowing seeds.

• Some even connect unsuspecting members to fake travel agents.

The result? More disappointment, more loss of money.

8. Social Media Popularity and Celebrity Prophets

Today, prophets compete like influencers.

• They flaunt private jets, expensive cars, and designer clothes to prove “God’s blessings.”

• They post dramatic clips of miracles to go viral.

• Some pay bloggers and influencers to promote their “anointing.”

It’s no longer about saving souls but building brands.

9. Data Harvesting and Private Information

Some prophets are skilled manipulators of information.

• They secretly collect personal details from members’ registration forms or social media.

• They then present it during services as a “prophetic revelation.”

• This convinces people that the prophet truly hears from God.

In reality, it’s intelligence gathering, not prophecy.

10. Monetized Deliverance Programs

Deliverance is now a commercial service.

• Some prophets demand huge payments before starting deliverance.

• They run endless sessions, making members come back weekly, always paying.

• They even prescribe expensive items like goats, rams, or imported oil for rituals.

It’s a cycle of dependency that enriches the prophet while impoverishing the member.

How to Shine Your Eyes and Avoid Being Duped

Now that we’ve unmasked the tricks, how can you protect yourself and your loved ones?

1. Study the Scriptures Yourself – Don’t depend only on your pastor. The more you know God’s Word, the harder it is to deceive you.

2. Test Every Spirit – If a prophet says something, check if it aligns with the Bible. God does not contradict Himself.

3. Watch Their Fruits, Not Just Their Gifts – Jesus said, “By their fruits you shall know them.” Character matters more than charisma.

4. Don’t Be Desperate for Quick Fixes – God’s blessings often come with patience, hard work, and faith, not shortcuts.

5. Ask Questions Without Fear – A true man of God will welcome questions. A false one will threaten you with curses.

6. Be Wary of Money-Centered Messages – If every sermon ends with “sow a seed,” that’s a red flag.

7. Separate Faith from Entertainment – Not every miracle you see on social media is real.

8. Pray for Discernment – Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom. He is the best teacher.

The Real Gospel vs. the False Gospel

At the heart of the issue is a clash between the real gospel and the false gospel.

• The real gospel points people to Jesus, teaching repentance, faith, and holiness.

• The false gospel points people to the prophet, teaching money, fear, and dependence.

When the man of God becomes the center instead of God Himself, deception is already at work.

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Conclusion

We live in an age where fake prophets are multiplying, driven by greed and empowered by technology. They disguise themselves as angels of light but are spiritual thieves. They exploit poverty, desperation, and ignorance, using staged miracles, fear tactics, and sophisticated scams to keep members enslaved.

But you don’t have to be a victim. The Bible already warned us: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). Knowledge is your weapon. Discernment is your shield. And God’s Word is your compass.

So, shine your eyes! Don’t let desperation blind you. Don’t allow fear to control you. And most importantly, don’t give God’s glory to any man. The same God who blessed Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is still alive today—He does not need middlemen charging consultation fees to answer your prayers.

True faith is free. Salvation is free. Don’t let anyone sell it to you.

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