SFPD Police Warn Chinese Community of Latest "Blessing" Scam Incident (17-104)

San Francisco Police are warning the Chinese community of a recent incident involving a “ Blessing” scam targeting a Chinese victim, resulting in great financial loss. This recent loss occurred on July 11, 2017 in the Sunset District. As a result of the scam, the victim lost $5,000 in U.S. Currency.

In this incident, the victim was approached by the first of three suspects, an Asian female who asked for directions to a healing salon. The second suspect, an Asian male, pretending to just be walking by, approached and offered to use his smart phone to help locate the salon. The male suspect then convinced the victim to walk to a nearby car where the third suspect, an older Asian male, was waiting. The victim was led to believe she had cancer and gave the suspects $5,000 as payment for a cure for her cancer. The suspects promised to return some of the money later that day but never did.

The San Francisco Police Department urges older members of the Chinese community to be suspicious of strangers claiming to provide relief from a curse, an illness, 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. Children and caregivers to elder Chinese community members should discuss this scam with them and instruct the elders to call them if anyone approaches them under similar circumstances.

Anyone with information about such incidents is asked to contact the SFPD Anonymous Tip line at 415-575-4444, or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text with SFPD.