The police, bank and government officials send out awareness messages. “Do not click any link from unknown sources, your money would be stolen.” Yet, many people are losing money to such frauds. There are others who are greedy to multiply the riches. Cunning business people get huge deposits, promising high returns, but people are cheated. Moses warned against such financial deception. (Leviticus 6:1-7)
Breach of faith: All financial frauds done towards others are breach of faith against God. It is not just humans, but against God and His Sovereign authority.
Deception: A person is wooed by financial institutions (including banks) by promising huge returns. There are small printed words in ‘conditions’ stating there is a risk. The sales representative does not even mention that. The investment does not bring promised returns, that is deception. Real Estate dealers promise many things, but their delivery is poor, which is again a deception. Even Christian preachers promise ten million (one crore) rupees for every thousand rupees donated to their ministry is again a deception.
Deceptive traps: There are phone calls, promising favor but the intention is fraud. Crypto currency was one such trap that collapsed even banks.
Robbery: Holding a gun pointing towards your head and asking you to empty the pockets or withdraw from an ATM is robbery. In some nations, taxes equal robbery as citizens are not given any worthy services from the tax collected. It is used up by corrupt leaders.
Oppression: Exploitation and oppression go together. People’s ignorance could be exploited. Giving small loans and extracting interest for a lifetime from illiterate villagers is ruthless exploitation. Underpaying wages for the services rendered.
Swear falsely: When something is given on trust for a safe deposit, it is looted. The person swears falsely that he lost it in robbery or accidents or circumstances beyond his/her control.
Restoration: When the person who is involved in these kinds of frauds should repent and give back with 20 percent interest. Zacchaeus was more remorseful to give fourfold and give half the wealth to the poor. (Luke 19:8)
Am I discerning not to deceive and not be deceived?