False Priest Account Allegedly Exploiting Orthodox Coptic Church Identity on Facebook

In a precautionary measure to combat electronic fraud, a local embroidery and runner organization issued a statement warning about a fraudulent Facebook account using the names “Abona Naeh” or “Abona Noah.” The account is alleged to be operated by an impostor claiming to be a priest associated with the Orthodox Coptic Church in Magga and the runneret. The organization emphasized that the account is being used to deceive individuals and exploit their trust.

The Archbishop’s statement clarified that the fraudulent account systematically misrepresented itself, claiming to be a priest in Ibarshia, Magga, and Enemy, and further asserting representation of the entire church. To enhance the credibility of the false account, the page owner allegedly used a stolen photograph of a distinguished priest, Noah’s T-shirt, belonging to a priest from the Veym parish, and incorporated it into their personal profile.

Such fake accounts exploit the inherent trust people place in religious figures, making individuals susceptible to financial and personal exploitation. The organization urged individuals to verify the authenticity of accounts by cross-referencing them with official pages of parishes, churches, or religious institutions. Direct verification of a priest’s identity was also recommended to ensure legitimacy.

The incident involving the false “Father Noah” account underscores the growing threat of digital fraud targeting religious communities. It highlights the need for heightened awareness and caution when engaging with online accounts representing clergy. The organization’s actions reflect a broader effort to protect church members from material harm and to safeguard the reputation of religious leaders.

This case serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities that arise from the intersection of digital platforms and religious trust. The misuse of social media by impostors not only jeopardizes individual security but also undermines the integrity of religious institutions. As such, the community is called to remain vigilant and to uphold the standards of accountability and transparency that are essential to maintaining public trust.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Arabic)