The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) says that it is investigating at least five incidents of “blessing scams” since late May in which suspects target seniors and their valuables.
According to Cst. Darren Wong, the victims are talked into revealing their valuables to “bless” them and protect them from harm.
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“These suspects prey on the vulnerability of our seniors, using fear, manipulation, and cultural beliefs to steal their life savings,” Cst. Wong said.
In one incident, which occurred on June 6 near the Marine Gateway shopping mall near Southwest Marine Drive and Yukon Street, two female suspects engaged a woman in conversation, convincing her that a “misfortune or curse would soon befall her family.”
“To ward off the bad luck, the suspects offered to perform a spiritual ‘blessing’ on her valuables. She was escorted a few blocks away to meet a third suspect, who instructed her to go home and return with her valuables for the ritual,” Cst. Wong explained.
When the victim returned, the suspects stole $15,000 in cash and a gold ring from the victim, who only noticed the theft when she arrived back home.
Police say that the incidents seem random, but based on CCTV footage, investigators believe that the encounters are targeted.
Police are now releasing the footage to warn the public of the scams and in the hope that witnesses may recognize the suspects.
“We are releasing this video in hopes that someone recognizes these suspects, and to remind everyone to speak with their elderly family members about these scams,” Cst. Wong said.
