Protecting Our Elders: Understanding and Preventing the Blessing Scam

By Jon Donnis

The Blessing Scam is a cruel form of fraud that preys on the fears and cultural beliefs of elderly individuals, particularly those in the Chinese community. By exploiting deep-rooted superstitions around curses, bad luck, and spiritual wellbeing, scammers target vulnerable people, often leaving them emotionally and financially devastated. Elderly Chinese women, who may be more likely to hold traditional beliefs about curses and the influence of fortune-tellers, are among the most frequent victims, although anyone can ultimately be a victim of this scam.

The scam usually begins with a seemingly innocent encounter in a public space. Fraudsters approach the victim and strike up a conversation, pretending to be friendly members of the community or helpful passers-by. As the conversation unfolds, they introduce a more sinister element. They may mention a fortune-teller or claim to have spiritual knowledge themselves. They warn the victim that a terrible curse or misfortune is about to befall their family. Often, this involves predicting sickness or death of a loved one unless immediate action is taken.

These con artists are highly skilled at manipulating their targets' emotions, using fear to coerce them into taking drastic steps. They may suggest that a ritual or blessing is needed to remove the curse and protect the family from impending disaster. This ritual, of course, comes at a cost. Victims are often asked to bring valuable items like cash, jewellery, or other precious belongings to be "blessed" or cleansed of evil. The fraudsters typically perform a fake ceremony in which the valuables are placed into a bag or envelope. In many cases, the victim is told not to open the package for a period of time, allowing the criminals to make a quick escape with the items before the scam is discovered.

It is heart-breaking that these scams often work because they play on the victim's desire to protect their family. The psychological pressure is immense, and the perpetrators are experts at making the scam seem urgent and real. This makes it difficult for the elderly to recognise that they are being manipulated, particularly if they are isolated from family members who might otherwise help them assess the situation rationally.

To protect elderly relatives from falling victim to this type of fraud, education is key. Start by having open discussions with them about the existence of scams like this. It is important to stress that there are no legitimate fortune-tellers or healers and only a scammer would approach someone on the street with dire warnings. Explain how scammers use fear to push people into making impulsive decisions and that they should always be cautious of anyone who tries to frighten them into handing over money or valuables. Encourage them to trust their instincts and to walk away from anyone who tries to pressure them into taking immediate action.

Another crucial step is fostering strong communication within the family. Encourage elderly relatives to talk to you or another trusted family member before making any decisions involving their money or valuables, especially if a stranger has approached them with warnings or advice. Let them know that there is no shame in being cautious, and it's always better to be safe than sorry. By normalising these conversations, you can make it easier for them to reach out if they find themselves in a potentially dangerous situation.

As well as talking to elderly relatives, ensure they are aware of the authorities they can contact if they feel unsure or unsafe. Local police or community centres may offer support for elderly people who have been targeted or feel at risk. Remind them that it's okay to be suspicious and that genuine individuals with their best interests at heart will never rush them into making decisions about their belongings.

If an elderly relative has already fallen victim to a scam, it's important to report the incident as soon as possible. Fraudsters often target the same people more than once if they believe they can continue exploiting them. In some cases, the scammers may follow up with further claims, stating that the initial blessing didn't work and that more rituals or money is needed. Immediate action can prevent further losses and may help the authorities in their investigations.

Empowering the elderly with knowledge and support is the best defence against the Blessing Scam. By being vigilant, discussing the tactics fraudsters use, and providing a safety net of communication and reassurance, we can help protect vulnerable individuals from falling prey to this heartless scheme.