FRAUD ALERT: IMPOSTER PRIEST SCAM

FRAUD ALERT REGARDING “Father Arturo Lopez” IMPOSTER PRIEST SCAM.

CHARLOTTE, NC - June 19, 2026 - The Cathedral of Saint Patrick, a Roman Catholic Parish of the Diocese of Charlotte, issues the following important fraud alert:

Please be warned of a fraud involving an individual or group of individuals who pose as a Catholic priest using the name "Father Arturo Lopez". The fraudulent priest uses Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and other social media, and offers to perform exorcisms and other rituals in exchange for money. The fraudsters have created a fake Facebook page that looks very similar to the official page of the Cathedral of St. Patrick.

"Father Lopez" is not a Catholic priest and has no association with the Cathedral of Saint Patrick. The false Facebook page is not authorized by the Cathedral. This person or group is not providing any legitimate service and seeks only to defraud vulnerable victims. Do not send money or otherwise interact with them.

The Cathedral of Saint Patrick and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte have attempted to address this matter by notifying Facebook. However, to date, Facebook has declined to remove the fraudulent page and posts. The Cathedral and Diocese have contacted law enforcement and are filing a lawsuit to have the fraudulent material removed.



If you have been victimized by this scheme, or have questions, please call the law firm of Terpening Law PLLC, which the Diocese has retained to attempt to eliminate this fraud, at (980) 265-1700.