Blessing Scam Investigation

Perth Detectives are currently investigating a scam known as the Blessing Scam, Ghost Scam or Ritual Scam that specifically targets elderly females of Chinese decent. The scan relies heavily on

cultural and traditional beliefs to instil fear in the victims and assure their compliance.

The scam commences when a woman approaches a victim in a public place and states that a family member of the victim’s family is in desperate need of medical assistance (healers) and they require

Eastern Medicine. The victim is asked if they know any ‘healers’.

From there another woman happens to overhear and offers advice. This advice leads to the introduction of the victim to a third woman who claims to be a ‘healer’ and that the problem is that the victim has angered the spirits.

The treatment suggested is to have the victim supply jewellery or items of high value to be ‘treated in a ritual’. During this ritual the group scam the victim by replacing the victim’s valuables with low cost items.

The returned valuables are wrapped and the victim is given instructions not to unwrap it for a long length of time for the ‘cleansing/treatment’ to be effective.

Once the victim unwraps the parcel, they find that their valuables have been stolen.

Reports of this scam have been received interstate and overseas. An incident has been reported to West Australia Police.

The attached images are of three women who may be able to assist Detectives with inquiries into a similar scam that occurred in the Perth CBD in March 2018.

Any information regarding the identity of these women or anyone who has any information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestopperswa.com.au.

Reports to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous.

End release

Sergeant Alice COCKRAM

Police Media Unit

珀斯警方现正调查一类诈骗案，行骗的嫌疑人通常以祈福，驱鬼，祭祀等手法针对老年华裔妇女进行诈骗。不法分子主要利用文化和传统信仰使受害者心生畏惧，从而对其言听计从。

骗局首先由嫌疑人1号在公众场所接近受害者开始。嫌疑人1号会告知受害者其家人急需祈福治病而且需要以东方的形式治疗，然后就询问对方是否认识任何可做类似治疗的法师。

这时，嫌疑人2号会装作碰巧听到两人的对话并提出意见。嫌疑人2号会讹称受害者是因为亵渎灵体招致灾劫，然后介绍嫌疑人3号，即所谓的“法师”给受害者认识。

“法师”既嫌疑人3号会要求受害者交出珠宝或高价值的财物用来做法事。法事期间嫌疑人3号会将受害者的财物换成廉价物品。

法事结束后，嫌疑人3号会把 “财物”包裹起来交还受害者，并告知受害者一段时间内不可打开包裹，法力方可生效。当受害者打开包裹时才发现里面的财物已被掉包偷换。

类似的骗案在澳洲境内外纷纷出现。西澳警方也接报了一宗祈福诈骗案。

下面照片中的三名女士可能可以协助警方调查2018年3月在珀斯市中心发生的一宗诈骗案， 如果你知道这三名女士的身份或者关于此案的任何信息，请致电灭罪热线1800 333 000或通过www.crimestopperswa.com.au与Crime Stoppers联系。         

Crime Stoppers接受匿名举报。