SFPD Offer Resources to the Chinese Community Affected by Blessing and Healing Scams 18-160

San Francisco Police urge all members of the Chinese community to be suspicious of strangers claiming to provide relief from a curse or illness or who those who provide “purification” ceremonies in which cash and valuable items must be offered as part of the process.

Please review the video below on various ways to identify potential scammers, how to protect yourself from a scam, and reporting resources available to scam victims.

Link to PSA video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EDXcgatzxQ&feature=youtu.be

San Francisco Safety Awareness For Everyone (SFSAFE)- a program of San Francisco Police Department’s Community Engagement Division- provides the City’s diverse communities with safety tips and educational brochures in multiple languages. A Chinese language Blessing Scam flyer accompanies this news release.

Anyone who is confronted by scammers or anyone who knows of an elder who was approached by scammers is strongly advised to contact police. Reports can be made at any SFPD District Station or by calling Dispatch at (415) 553-0123 and requesting an officer to take a report.

Cantonese speakers can leave tips on a special tip line by calling (415) 553-9212 or 1-855-737-3847.

Information can also be called into the Anonymous Tip Line at (415) 575-4444 or via Text a Tip by texting a message to TIP411 and beginning the message with SFPD.

SFPD is committed to safety with respect for all our City's communities. The department works closely with San Francisco's multilingual communities to identify and address specific safety concerns. SFPD currently has approximately 490 officers that speak more than 30 different languages. The department is encouraging all bilingual officers to become certified to provide Limited English Proficiency (LEP) services to community members.