Scammers deceive elderly with false promises of spiritual blessings
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In a concerning trend emerging across NSW, our senior community is being warned of a new scam that preys on the spiritual beliefs and cultural fears of elderly women, particularly those with Asian backgrounds.
The NSW police have issued a warning about this 'spiritual scam,' which has already seen victims parting with luxury items and significant sums of money in exchange for so-called 'blessed' items.
The scam exploits the victims' fears, convincing them their families are in imminent danger or cursed by evil spirits.
The scammers, who are reported to be women appearing to be of Asian descent and in their 40s, approach their targets in public places.
They weave a narrative of impending doom, suggesting that the only way to protect their loved ones from harm or spiritual danger is through a ritual blessing of their wealth.
In one distressing report, a 76-year-old woman was accosted on Evaline Street in Campsie by a 49-year-old woman who spun a tale of her daughter being at risk of serious injury.
The elderly woman was persuaded to bring the scammer and her accomplices to her home, where she handed over cash and jewellery in exchange for a bag of rice and water, which were deceitfully presented as 'blessed' items.
Another incident involved a 71-year-old woman in Cabramatta who was told by two women that her son would suffer a car accident within three days.
In a state of fear, she traded cash and jewellery for a plastic bag, which the scammers claimed had 'magic' properties.
These scammers are described as around 150cm-160cm tall, and the police are urging the public, especially the elderly, to remain vigilant.
If approached by individuals offering spiritual blessings or similar services in exchange for money or valuables, do not engage with them.
Instead, protect your details and contact your nearest police station immediately.
An investigation into these incidents is ongoing, but our community must be aware and informed about such scams.
It's a sad reality that there are individuals out there who will take advantage of cultural beliefs and the vulnerability of the elderly.
In other news, the accused posed as a fraud investigator to coerce an elderly woman into withdrawing $58,000.
Law enforcement apprehended the suspect before any harm occurred after the victim's neighbour advised her to contact the police. You can read more about it here.
Have you or someone you know encountered similar scams? How do you protect yourself from potential fraud? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.
The NSW police have issued a warning about this 'spiritual scam,' which has already seen victims parting with luxury items and significant sums of money in exchange for so-called 'blessed' items.
The scam exploits the victims' fears, convincing them their families are in imminent danger or cursed by evil spirits.
The scammers, who are reported to be women appearing to be of Asian descent and in their 40s, approach their targets in public places.
Warning issued by NSW police about a spiritual scam targeting elderly women, especially of Asian backgrounds. Credit: Shutterstock
They weave a narrative of impending doom, suggesting that the only way to protect their loved ones from harm or spiritual danger is through a ritual blessing of their wealth.
In one distressing report, a 76-year-old woman was accosted on Evaline Street in Campsie by a 49-year-old woman who spun a tale of her daughter being at risk of serious injury.
The elderly woman was persuaded to bring the scammer and her accomplices to her home, where she handed over cash and jewellery in exchange for a bag of rice and water, which were deceitfully presented as 'blessed' items.
Another incident involved a 71-year-old woman in Cabramatta who was told by two women that her son would suffer a car accident within three days.
In a state of fear, she traded cash and jewellery for a plastic bag, which the scammers claimed had 'magic' properties.
These scammers are described as around 150cm-160cm tall, and the police are urging the public, especially the elderly, to remain vigilant.
If approached by individuals offering spiritual blessings or similar services in exchange for money or valuables, do not engage with them.
Instead, protect your details and contact your nearest police station immediately.
An investigation into these incidents is ongoing, but our community must be aware and informed about such scams.
It's a sad reality that there are individuals out there who will take advantage of cultural beliefs and the vulnerability of the elderly.
In other news, the accused posed as a fraud investigator to coerce an elderly woman into withdrawing $58,000.
Law enforcement apprehended the suspect before any harm occurred after the victim's neighbour advised her to contact the police. You can read more about it here.
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. Sad world at times we live in.
