Police warn Calgary’s Asian community about potential ‘blessing scams’

CALGARY – Police are warning the public about a group of criminals they believe are moving across Canada targeting elderly Chinese women in so-called “blessing scams.”

During the incidents, victims are told that an evil spirit will harm them, their son or their grandson if they do not have their money and valuables blessed by the fraudsters.

The victims are asked to bring their valuables in a container, at which time the scammers switch the bag of money or valuables with a bag of worthless items. The victims are then told not to open the bag or tell anyone.

Calgary police say they were alerted to an increase in ‘blessing scams’ by the Vancouver Police Department.

Although no such scams have been reported in Calgary, investigators are helping to alert members of the city’s Asian community about the fraudsters to prevent any thefts from occurring.

Anyone who believes they may be a victim of a fraud is asked to contact the Calgary Police Service non-emergency number at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers.