Blessing Scam Caution

San Francisco police are advising the city’s Chinese community to stay vigilant against blessing scams after several incidents in which criminals stole roughly $374,000 in cash and property from victims.

​

Police Chief Bill Scott issued a statement on Tuesday explaining that blessing scams, which are believed to have started in late November, involve Chinese-speaking criminals targeting vulnerable individuals in the community. The fraudsters often pretend to offer relief from a family member’s illness or curse through "purification ceremonies."

 

They instruct victims to place cash and valuables into a bag to be "blessed." Later, the victims are told to open the bag after some time for the "blessing" to take effect. When they do, they discover their valuables have been switched, and the suspects have disappeared.

​

According to police, seven women between the ages of 69 and 79 were targeted in the city from November 23 to January 2. The Bayview and Central police districts reported two cases each, while the remaining incidents took place in the Taraval, Ingleside, and Richmond districts.

​

Scott mentioned that similar scams have been occurring in San Francisco for years, especially during the holiday season and around Lunar New Year, when criminals often come to the city to exploit victims.

​

"These crimes against our most vulnerable community members are unacceptable, and we are committed to identifying the suspects and holding them accountable," Scott said. "As we continue to investigate these incidents, we urge our community members to stay alert, maintain communication with one another, and work with the SFPD to report any instances of these scams."