Spiritual scammers target elderly Asian women
Scammers are targeting elderly Chinese women in a string of “spiritual scams”, stripping victims of hundreds of dollars and precious jewellery.
NSW
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Scammers are targeting elderly Chinese women in a string of “spiritual scams”, stripping victims of hundreds of dollars and precious jewellery.
Police are urging the public to beware of a recent “blessing scam” trend, targeting people with Asian ethnic backgrounds.
Scammers are typically focusing on elderly Chinese women, convincing victims their families are at risk from spirits. The only way to stop the spirits is to “have their wealth blessed” in exchange for money or luxury items.
At least two women have fallen victim to the scam, including one 76-year-old from Campsie, who was approached by another woman on Evaline Street on Wednesday September 25.
Police allege the unknown woman told the 76-year-old that her daughter will be seriously injured and her wealth must be blessed to prevent the injury.
The elderly woman gave the alleged scammer cash and jewellery in return for a bag of “blessed” rice and water.
Earlier this year in May, a 71-year-old woman was approached by three woman on John Street, Cabramatta.
The women allegedly told the victim her son will have a car accident unless she was blessed.
The alleged victim exchanged an amount of cash and her jewellery with a “magic” plastic bag.
Police believes all three females are described as being of Asian appearance, in their 40s, and 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.
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Originally published as Spiritual scammers target elderly Asian women
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