Vancouver Police say two separate “blessing scam” incidents on Victoria Drive and Fraser Street involved seniors being tricked into handing over cash and jewellery.
The Story
Vancouver Police Department is investigating a potential link between two separate “blessing scam” incidents in recent days that targeted seniors at bus stops.
In the first incident, police say an 81-year-old woman was waiting at a bus stop on Victoria Drive near East 37th Avenue on October 16 at about 1:00 p.m., when she was approached by two unknown Asian females. The pair engaged her in conversation and were able to learn information about her sons. Shortly after, a male suspect joined them and convinced the woman that her sons could be healed if her valuables were blessed. Police say the victim returned home, gathered about $7,000 in cash plus a gold necklace and a ring, and handed them over to the man.
Police add that the suspect later returned a bag containing instant noodles and water. After the victim returned home, she spoke to her daughter, who contacted police.
The second incident took place on October 23 at about 10:30 a.m. Police say a 79-year-old woman was approached by an unidentified Asian woman at a bus stop on Fraser Street at East 47th Avenue. A second woman wearing a mask and all black clothing joined the conversation and told the victim her youngest son would die if she didn’t bring gold and money to be blessed by two men to get rid of bad spirits. Police say the suspect in black accompanied the victim on the bus back to her residence to retrieve her valuables.
According to police, the two returned to the East 47th Avenue and Fraser area, where the victim handed over approximately $40,000 in cash and another $50,000 in gold and jewellery to the men. Police say the victim then returned home and, after opening her backpack, found the money and valuables had been replaced by noodles and water bottles.
“Vulnerable seniors were targeted in both of these incidents,” said Const. Darren Wong. Police are asking anyone with information, or with CCTV or dashcam footage that may have recorded the bus stop interactions, to call the non-emergency line at 604-717-3321.
← More stories