Police issue warning over spiritual scam targeting elderly Asian people
Tuesday, 01 October 2024 02:12:44 PM
Police urge the public to beware of a recent “blessing scam” targeting people with Asian ethnic backgrounds.
Scammers generally target elderly Chinese women, exploit cultural fears, convincing victims their families are at risk from spirits, need their wealth blessed before they ask victims to exchange their money or luxurious items with blessed items.
Examples of recent scams include -
- About 8.30am on Wednesday 25 September 2024, a 76-year-old woman was approached by another woman on Evaline Street, Campsie. The 76-year-old woman was allegedly told her daughter will be seriously injured and her wealth must be blessed to prevent the injury. A short time later the woman returned to home with three other women and exchanged an amount of cash and number of jewelleries with a bag of rice and water, what they call blessed.
- About 3.20pm on Wednesday 8 May 2024, a 71-year-old woman was approached by another woman on John Street, Cabramatta. A short time later two other women joined them and allegedly told the victim that her son will have a car accident in three days. A short time later, the woman exchanged an amount of cash and her jewelleries with a plastic bag, what they call a magic.
Police believes all three females are described as being of Asian appearance, in their 40s, about 150cm – 160cm tall.
Police urge members of the public to not provide any details or items when someone approaches them and tries to frighten you for a spiritual reason, but to contact their nearest police station immediately.
As inquiries continue, anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.