Blessing Scam Robs Religious Seniors

REDONDO BEACH, CA – A new scam targeting religious or spiritual seniors, particularly those in immigrant communities, has resulted in exploitation and loss of cash and valuables. "The Blessing Scam" is a con in which an elderly person is promised a blessing or spiritual healing by putting valuable items and cash in a bag which is then secretly swapped for an empty bag, according to the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office. The scam has been particularly prevalent in the Chinese community.

The scammers work in a group, pretending not to know each other and then befriending or cornering the victim. After striking up conversation, they ask the senior personal questions which are secretly transmitted to the faux psychic/spirit doctor. Then, the supposed spirit doctor will show up and use the information gathered to convince the senior of their psychic abilities.

The "psychic" will eventually convince the victim that a terrible misfortune awaits the senior or a family member, unless a blessing ceremony is performed. In one recent case, a senior put more than $70,000 in cash and jewelry in a bag for a blessing, according to the District Attorney's Office. The scammers switched out the bag full of money for an empty one,and instructed her not to open it for two days so the blessing would work. Two days later when the senior opened the bag, she discovered it was full of pieces of newspaper.

The District Attorney's Office has offered these tips to avoid the scam:

• Talk to family members before agreeing to any spiritual help which involves providing valuables or personal information
• If anyone approaches offering to bless items or warns of impending doom, leave immediately and call police
• Travel with someone whenever possible and keep a lookout for people unusually interested in getting to know you

In English:

In Cantonese:

Videos provided by the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office; Image via Shutterstock