Vancouver – Vancouver Police are warning the Chinese community about a new blessing scam, which has resulted in elderly victims losing nearly $150,000 cash and jewelry in November.
“We are working hard to identify the suspects in these scams, and are asking members of our Chinese community to be aware that they are happening,” says Constable Megan Lui. “We have had two reported cases in November, and there may be others that we don’t know about. In both cases, by the time the victims realized they have been scammed, the suspects had disappeared with their valuables.”
On November 16, a 74-year-old woman was walking in the Kensington-Cedar Cottage neighbourhood when she was approached by three Asian women who claimed to know a master of Feng Shui who could offer wealth and prosperity. They gave the victim a bag and convinced her to go home and retrieve money for a blessing. When the victim returned with $14,000 in the bag, the scammers performed a fake blessing then switched the bag with a decoy, stealing the money. They told the victim not to open the decoy bag right away, and it wasn’t until 11 days later that a family member realized the scam had taken place.
On November 19, three scammers approached an elderly woman walking near Victoria Drive and Kingsway and convinced her they knew a miracle doctor who could ensure her family’s health. The victim escorted the suspect by transit to her bank, where the victim retrieved $120,000 in cash and jewelry from a safety deposit box. The scammer performed a fake blessing and made off with the victim’s valuables. Her grandson reported the theft to police seven days later.
In both cases, the scammers spoke Toisan – a Chinese dialect.
“We believe these cases are linked, and that there are likely others in the community who have been victimized,” adds Constable Lui. “We’re encouraging people to have discussions with elderly family members to protect themselves from being scammed.”
Victims who have not yet come forward can call the VPD non-emergency line at 604-717-3321 to make a report. Crimes in progress should be reported to 9-1-1.
