Fake Spanish-speaking conmen posing as Catholic priests from Mexico are scamming unsuspecting believers  in California out of hundreds of dollars to celebrate sacraments

Two scammers have posed as Catholic priests from Mexico to scam unsuspecting worshipers out of hundreds of dollars for fake ceremonies.

Under the names of legitimate Latino priests, the robe-wearing duo has held mock celebrations of baptism, confirmation, first communion and home blessings in the Northern California city of Modesto.

Catholic authorities in the area, the Diocese of Stockton, warned this weekend against what they described as “the wolves in sheep’s clothing” who have targeted non-English speaking families.

They added that the unnamed ‘imposters’ have been exposed for charging ‘exorbitant fees’ for the scam ceremonies.

The scammers have also taken birth certificates from worshipers, raising concerns that their alleged crimes could even include human trafficking and identity theft.

Erin Haight, representative of the Diocese of Stockton (pictured), described their tactics as ‘truly predatory behavior’

Under the names of legitimate Latino priests, the robe-wearing duo has held mock celebrations of baptism, confirmation, first communion and home blessings in the Northern California city of Modesto.

Stockton authorities said the men posed as Father José Adán González Estrada and Bishop Raúl Gómez González, who are legitimate priests in Toluca, close to Mexico City.

“They resort to intimidation tactics against anyone who questions their identity or authority, and often threaten legal action for defamation, although these threats have little substance,” the Stockton diocese warned.

“Anyone who has been a victim of these scammers is urged to call 911 without hesitation and report them. It is imperative to note that the police do not inquire about the immigration status of the caller; their main concern is combating criminal activities.

“The Diocese of Stockton emphasizes that, with few exceptions, Catholic sacraments are generally administered within Catholic churches.

“Celebrating baptism, confirmation and first communion in outdoor locations such as parks are not consistent with established Catholic practices.”

Erin Haight, representative of the Diocese of Stockton, described their tactics as “truly predatory behavior.”

Speaking to CBS, she added that suspected families “threatened defamation lawsuits or charged even more money for questioning it, which is disgusting.”

The diocese said it contacted police about the scammers, but officers told them that complaints must come from victims.

This comes after owners of a Mexican restaurant in California used another fake priest to trick Catholic staff into ‘confessing’ their sins in the workplace in a scheme to steal their wages.

A man introduced as a minister at the Taqueria Garibaldi chain encouraged staff to clear their conscience about when they might have done something to harm their employer.

One employee testified that the fake man of God had urged the employees to “take out their sins,” asking if they had ever stolen from the company or done anything to harm it, in a lawsuit that was brought by the Ministry of Labor.

The operator of the restaurants in Sacramento and nearby Roseville was ordered to pay $140,000 in back wages and damages to 35 employees, the department said.

During the trial, an employee of Che Garibaldi Inc., operator of Taqueria Garibaldi, testified that the restaurant offered employees a person identified as a priest to listen in on confessions during work hours.