Article April 8, 1939 Issue

A Warning

At various times, and from several localities, information has been received concerning impostors who call upon Christian Scientists, or visit Reading Rooms, church services, and even Sunday schools, in an effort to obtain monetary or other contributions toward their maintenance. Usually such individuals claim to have acquaintance with Christian Scientists whose names are well known, profess a genuine interest in the teachings of Christian Science and sometimes refer to membership in The Mother Church or a branch church and fraternal organizations, and seem to be well versed in the letter of Christian Science.

Many are the trciks used by these individuals, such as borrowing books which they later sell; giving worthless checks for a purchase or for room rent and obtaining a cash balance when the check is made for more than the amount of the bill; obtaining advance payments for bonds alleged to be necessary in connection with employment; asking for help and money from practitioners; obtaining money for food, lodging, or for traveling expenses to another city where work is said to be awaiting them; or obtaining temporary employment in a position of trust while awaiting a summons to a promised position in another locality. Some have obtained from local workers the names and addresses of Christian Scientists or others and made improper use of this information.

The handling of such matters depends largely upon the alertness of those who are approached with appeals by misguided persons who, in many instances, seem to be actuated by fraudulent purposes. Experience has shown that the giving of names and addresses of individual Christian Scientists is not wise. Christian Scientists recognize that there are those who are worthy of temporary assistance and should not be deprived of it, but experience has indicated the need of vigilance and wisdom in considering appeals for help from strangers.

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From the Clerk
April 8, 1939
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