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10/18/2024

Church Scammed By Technology Company? National Trial Lawyers Explain Your Options

The Case of Metropolitan Community Church vs. Vision2Systems

Technology-related fraudulent schemes are on the rise throughout the nation, including those affecting churches and other nonprofit organizations. Companies engaging in technology misrepresentation, promising to assist churches in donation collection, end up profiting from parishioners' money for their own enrichment. 

What Happened 

In 2019, the Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church of Houston, Texas, entered into a contractual relationship with Vision2Systems, a technology company, to collect, process, and transfer tithe donations to the church. However, between June and August of 2024, the company held and refused to transmit over $20,000 of these donations in a breach of contract. 

In addition to the church contract dispute, it is alleged that Vision2Systems was unjustly enriched under the scheme and violated multiple sections of Texas’ Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The law firm of Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC has filed suit against the technology company and is pursuing justice on behalf of the Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church.

Signs Your Church May Be a Victim of a Technology Scam

Churches, like other organizations, are far from immune from technology scams that can financially devastate a congregation. A religious organization scam often seems innocuous at first as the bad actor searches for vulnerabilities to exploit or ways to secure ill-gotten gains. 

Red Flag #1: Unrealistic Promises

One of the most common red flags that churches and non-profit organizations should be aware of is when a company makes unrealistic promises. If it seems too good to be true, it likely is. Companies engaging in church technology fraud often misrepresent their services or offer incentives such as substantially lower fees compared to their competitors. 

Red Flag #2: Hidden Costs

Another red flag is if there are hidden costs. When signing a contract with a company to perform services, it is imperative to ensure your organization fully understands all associated costs. It is strongly recommended that you engage the services of a technology contract lawyer to review the information and ensure that the company is not attempting to hide or misrepresent any fees that may be associated with their services. 

Red Flag #3:** High-Pressure Sales Tactics

Finally, it is a red flag if the company is engaging in high-pressure sales tactics in an attempt to strong-arm your organization into signing the contract. A business litigation attorney can provide religious, non-profit legal support to help ensure the company is legitimate and not attempting to engage in a fraudulent scheme.

What to Do If You Think Your Church Was Scammed

If you believe that your church was the victim of technology fraud or another scam, it is important to act quickly. You may only have a limited amount of time to take legal action and hold the company accountable for things like breach of contract - technology services, conspiracy, product liability, or violating state law. 

Gather Evidence

It is essential to gather evidence prior to filing a lawsuit against the company that you believe scammed your church. The evidence necessary to substantiate your claim includes your bank statements, the contract, any correspondence or communication between your organization and the company, and your church’s business records. 

Contact a Lawyer Specializing in Technology Fraud

If you need church lawsuit help, contact Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC today at (713) 425-7100 for a consultation. Our attorneys are well-versed in business law for churches and can assist your congregation in pursuing justice. Technology fraud cases often involve complex schemes that may be years in the making. Let our legal team help to ensure these companies are held accountable. We proudly represent non-profit organizations nationwide. 

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