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American GreedAmerican GreedEpisode 1Episode 2Episode 3Episode 4Episode 5About "American Greed"
Case 1: Religious Prey: Greater Ministries Int’l  
"American Greed," a new series on CNBC, explores the worlds of scams, cons and schemes. In Episode #6, a story of religious fraud -- a $500 million dollar pyramid scheme!
The Players
 
Gerald Payne
The Preacher
Gerald Payne
Mary Nancy
The Faithful
Nancy Ross
Tob Krebs
The Attorney
Tob Krebs
   
 
Case File  
The Deception The Crime The Hunt The Capture
SCENE 1 - Church founder Gerald Payne calls it "divine inspiration." He was given a plan -- a way for the faithful to reap what they sow.
Divine Inspiration?
 
 
 
The Deception The Crime The Hunt The Capture
SCENE 2 - The scheme is simple. The faithful are promised -- gift the church and your money will be doubled in seventeen months.
Not So Charitable
 
 
 
The Deception The Crime The Hunt The Capture
SCENE 3 - The faithful believe and they invest. The cash is flowing -- millions of dollars pour into Greater Ministries International every month.
Investing in Faith
 
 
 
The Deception The Crime The Capture
SCENE 4 - The IRS is suspicious. Banking records are pulled and agents discover a scam -- one of the most lucrative pyramid schemes in history!
Angelo Troncosco
 
 
 
Photo Slideshow
View the Slideshow Evidence: Greater Ministries International
Click to View Slideshow
 
 
The series is narrated by actor Stacy Keach and produced exclusively for CNBC, America's Business Channel, by Kurtis Productions.
 
CNBC U.S.
EPISODE 5
May 7th 9p | 12a ET
May 11th 11p ET

EPISODE 6
May 14th 9p | 12a ET
May 18th 11p ET

 
Crime Stories
Tell us what you know!
americangreed@cnbc.com
Investigate Case 2: It Takes a Thief
 
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