A sinister trend is emerging, as scammers using the 'blessing scam' target vulnerable Chinese communities in multiple countries. Victims recount harrowing experiences where con artists, posing as spiritual healers, coerce them into relinquishing their valuables under the guise of protection for their loved ones, leading to significant financial losses and emotional distress.
Unmasking the 'Blessing Scam': A Growing Threat to Chinese Communities Worldwide
Unmasking the 'Blessing Scam': A Growing Threat to Chinese Communities Worldwide
Scammers are preying on Chinese families by using spiritual manipulation to steal their valuables, causing widespread concern and prompting investigations across the globe.
In a chilling phenomenon known as the 'blessing scam', scammers are orchestrating elaborate cons that prey specifically on Chinese communities around the world. Recent reports out of the UK, US, Canada, and Australia reveal a disturbing uptick in these scams, where unsuspecting victims, often elderly women, are manipulated into giving away their valuables after being led to believe that their loved ones are in imminent peril.
The con typically involves a trio of women who approach the target while acting out a script in Cantonese, complete with a seemingly distressed individual claiming a family member is at risk. This was the case for Mungnee, a Chinese Malaysian woman in her sixties living in London. While on her way to a yoga class, she was approached by a tearful stranger asking for a traditional healer’s guidance about her sick husband. The situation quickly escalated when more women joined, claiming connections to the healer and weaving a tale of impending doom involving Mungnee’s own son.
According to Mungnee, what began as a simple inquiry turned into a harrowing experience where she was told her son would die within three days if she didn’t secure a blessing. Panic-stricken, Mungnee complied, handing over cash and jewelry amounting to over £4,000, only to later discover that the bag had been switched, and she was left with items of little value instead.
Law enforcement agencies have issued warnings, noting that the script used by scammers often follows a consistent pattern. Anqi Shen, a law professor with previous experience in Chinese law enforcement, explained that this con exploits deeply rooted spiritual beliefs within the community, making the victims more susceptible.
In response to the rise of these scams, activists and victims' families are taking action. Tuyet van Huynh, whose mother fell victim to a similar con, has embarked on a campaign to raise awareness and engage law enforcement. Her investigation into the scam revealed that many victims are methodically following instructions, akin to being under hypnosis. It has even led to speculation about the potential use of drugs like Scopolamine, known to heighten suggestibility in victims.
Despite growing awareness and police investigations, the perpetrators remain at large, and the devastation left in their wake continues to affect families. Mungnee and others affected express a deep frustration, not only at their losses but also at the fact that those perpetrating these crimes are members of their own cultural community. As awareness grows, the hope is that law enforcement will effectively address this modern-day plague before more families fall prey to these deceptive tactics.
