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Scammers promising to rid their victims of evil spirits have looted at least $200,000 from elderly people.
Police say a group of street scammers are targeting elderly Asian women on the streets of Box Hill, in Melbourne’s east, as part of an international scam.
The women are alleged to convince their victim that a spirit is haunting them and that they, or a member of their family, are in grave danger.
They say the only way the victim can get rid of the spirit is to bring money and jewelry to the scammers so they can pray for them.
When the victim returns, he is told to close his eyes while the group prays over the bag and exchanges the money and jewelry for other items of the same weight.
The victim is told not to look at the purse until she gets home and when she finally does, she discovers that her valuables have been stolen.
Detective Chief Adam Stafford said one of three victims of the “cruel scam”, which originated in Hong Kong and China, had lost more than $150,000 – his entire life savings.
Two others lost up to $50,000 combined, and there could be more victims who have not yet come forward.
Police have released photographs of three women (pictured) who they believe can help with the investigation after three elderly women were scammed out of $150,000 in cash and jewellery.
It is alleged that the three women were also working alongside two men (pictured) targeting the Asian community with spirit and blessing scams.
“It’s quite embarrassing for the victims, a lot of these cases are probably under-reported for that reason,” Detective Stafford told reporters in Box Hill on Tuesday.
“This is not a physical offense, it is a psychological offense and the damage they are doing to them is not a good thing.”
Detective Stafford said the victims were between 70 and 80 years old.
Police believe the scammers may be part of a traveling syndicate, and similar incidents have been reported in New South Wales.
“If your elderly mother or grandmother attends the Box Hill area and is of Asian descent, please make sure they are aware of this scam as they will most likely be approached,” Detective Stafford said.