Man to return millions to people for online prayers

SEATTLE (AP) — A Seattle man running a so-called Christian prayer website and other businesses will return millions of dollars to consumers nationwide who paid for prayers, the Washington state attorney general said.

As part of an agreement, Benjamin Rogovy will pay back as much as $7.75 million to about 165,000 customers who were victims of Rogovy’s deceptive business practices in several companies he ran, according to Attorney General Bob Ferguson.

Rogovy used systematic deception in his operation of the Christian Prayer Center, creating fake religious leaders and posting false testimonials on its website to entice people to pay from $9 to $35 for prayers, Ferguson said. The attorney general says Rogovy collected over $7 million from consumers between 2011 and 2015 and that his actions violate the state Consumer Protection Act.

“What I will not tolerate is unlawful businesses that prey upon people — taking advantage of their faith or their need for help— in order to make a quick buck,” Ferguson said in a news release.

People who bought prayer services from Christian Prayer Service or from its sister website Orcion Cristiana between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2015, can receive a full refund.

Ferguson said those affected should receive an email by April 8 alerting them to the opportunity to file a complaint to receive a refund.