Sydney rocked as $3m lost to alleged ‘Chinese blessing scams'
The scam generally targets elderly Chinese women and exploits their cultural fears by convincing them their families are at risk, and demanding money to protect them from illness or curses.
'The women are deceived and once the scammers are in possession of their money and valuables including jewellery, the items are swapped with items of no value and the women are encouraged not to open the bags for an extended time,' police said.
In April, police launched Strike Force Sentinel to investigate reports of the scams across the Sydney area, including Ryde, Burwood, Parramatta and Hornsby areas.
To date, they have received more than 80 reports of alleged scams, with more than $3 million in cash and valuables stolen.
On Thursday, a 63-year-old woman was arrested at Sydney International Airport in relation to an alleged 'Chinese blessing scam'.
Police allege the woman was involved with defrauding a 77-year-old woman of a 'large sum of money and jewellery' in Parramatta in June.
She was taken to Mascot Police Station where she was charged with dishonestly obtain financial advantage etc by deception, participate criminal group contribue criminal activity and demand property in company with menaces with intent to steal.
She was refused bail and is set to appear before Parramatta Local Court on Friday.
Anyone who may have been victim of a 'blessing scam' is urged to make a report to police.
Police have urged the public to be hyper vigilant of scammers, and to avoid following people to a doctor or letting strangers inside a home.
'Beware of people you don't know and can't identify seeking access to money and valuables,' they said.
'Beware of people asking for directions to a Chinese herbal doctor or spiritual healer.
'Do not follow people you have just met to a doctor or healer. Do not continue conversation with strangers and leave the location.
'Do not bring strangers home,' they added.
'Do not hand over money, jewellery, or valuable items to stranger, and do not put money or jewellery in a bag for any blessing ritual.'
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