VPD shares warning after 2 people lose over $130,000 to Chinese-language blessing scams

Police are warning Vancouver’s Chinese community after two elderly women were allegedly scammed out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in November.

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) says it is looking for the suspects, who spoke Toisan or Taishanese, and lured the victims with offers of blessings.

On Nov. 16, police say a 74-year-old woman was approached by three women in the Kensington-Cedar Cottage neighbourhood of East Vancouver.

The group reportedly claimed to be able to offer wealth and prosperity if the victim filled a bag with money.

“When the victim returned with $14,000 in the bag, the scammers performed a fake blessing then switched the bag with a decoy, stealing the money. They told the victim not to open the decoy bag right away,” said Const. Megan Lui in a release.

Three days later, police say three people approached another elderly woman walking near Victoria Drive and Kingsway.

She was allegedly offered a blessing to ensure her family’s health.

“The victim escorted the suspect by transit to her bank, where the victim retrieved $120,000 in cash and jewelry from a safety deposit box. The scammer performed a fake blessing and made off with the victim’s valuables,” added Lui.

Investigators say in both cases, the victim was unaware they had been scammed for several days, and the incidents were reported by family members.

The VPD says the cases are likely linked, and there may be other victims.

“We’re encouraging people to have discussions with elderly family members to protect themselves from being scammed.”

People who believe they have become the victim of a scam are encouraged to call the VPD’s non-emergency line at 604-717-3321 to make a report.