VancouverMETRO VANCOUVER NEWS
Vancouver police seek suspects after senior loses $23,282 in blessing scam
Police say a 78-year-old woman lost cash and jewelry in an East Vancouver blessing scam. Thirteen elderly Chinese victims have reported combined losses above $300,000 this year.
Vancouver police are asking for help identifying two suspects in a so-called blessing scam that targeted a 78-year-old woman in East Vancouver.
Police say the victim lost $23,282 in cash and three pieces of jewelry in an incident reported about 1:45 p.m. on June 24 near 20th Avenue and Nanaimo Street. The case is among 13 similar reports involving elderly Chinese victims in Vancouver this year, with combined losses exceeding $300,000 in cash, gold and jewelry.
Police say perpetrators typically use fear and cultural manipulation to persuade victims that valuables must be spiritually blessed. Victims are allegedly persuaded to bring cash and possessions to a meeting, where the items are switched with worthless substitutes.
One suspect is described as an Asian woman about 50 years old and five feet three inches tall. The other is described as an Asian man about 60 years old and five feet seven inches tall. Vancouver Police Department says it believes the perpetrators operate internationally and is working with other police agencies.