PRESS RELEASE
August 9, 2016
16-104
San Francisco Police are alerting the Chinese community of the latest in an ongoing series of scams targeting older Chinese victims, resulting in great financial loss. The most recent incident occurred yesterday, August 8, 2016. As a result of the scam, one victim lost over $40,000 in U.S. Currency.
In this incident, the victim was approached by the first of three female Cantonese-speaking suspects. The suspect asked the victim if she knew a doctor in the area because a family member had fallen severely ill. The second suspect joined the conversation stating she knows a doctor, and persuades the victim to all visit this doctor together.
While en-route to the doctor, an additional suspect approached the group and acted as a fortune teller. This fortune teller told the victim a loved one will be cursed because she will mistakenly step in the blood of another person. To relieve the curse, the victim must present her with valuables to be “blessed.”
The suspects convinced the victim to bring valuables, consisting of currency and jewelry to a nearby street. A “blessing” was performed. Through sleight of hand, another bag containing worthless items was given back to the victim. The victim was instructed not to look in the bag for a specified amount of time or the “blessing” would be invalidated.
San Francisco police urge older members of the Chinese community to be suspicious of strangers claiming to provide relief from a curse or who provide “purification” ceremonies in which cash and valuable items must be offered as part of the process. Potential victims are strongly advised to contact police immediately if confronted with such a situation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Central Station Investigation Team at 415-315-2400, the SFPD Anonymous Tip line at 415-575-4444, or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text with SFPD.