How can you recognise a false prophet or a false apostle when you attend an independent congregation led by an "apostle", a "prophet" or a "papa" who is accountable to no one? Drawing on peer-reviewed academic literature, public reports, court decisions and church documents, this article examines the figure of these leaders itself. History shows that African Christian prophetism is a century old and was often kept within a framework (Harris, Kimbangu, Shembe, Celestial Church of Christ), whereas today's independent "prophet" inherits its prestige without the framework (Omenyo, Quayesi-Amakye, Meyer, Onyinah). Anthropology describes how his authority is manufactured: cascading titles, dubious degrees, flaunted wealth, anointed objects, paid consultations (McCauley, Resane, Banda, Kgatle). Psychology explains why a prophecy can seem accurate without being so, and why a speaker's reputation lowers people's guard (Forer, Hyman, Schjødt, Padilla). Public cases in Africa, the United States and France, and the responses of states, are presented, distinguishing convictions, prosecutions and allegations. The author, an evangelical Protestant, rereads the biblical criteria for testing prophets (Rev 2:2; Jer 23; Mic 3; 2 Kgs 5; Acts 8; Deut 13; 1 Cor 14) and those of the early Church (Didache, Hermas). He proposes ten practical questions. His conclusion: the Bible does not ask us to believe whoever "says" he is sent, but to test him, and a word from God is not for sale.