Woman conned by strangers in Chinatown into giving up $700 and gold necklace to 'Chinese physician' for blessing
A woman was conned by strangers in Chinatown into giving up $700 and her Guan Yin pendant to a "Chinese physician" for "blessing".
Three women and a man, aged between 47 and 61, were arrested for their suspected involvement after the police received a report from the victim on June 3.
The victim was initially approached by one of the women seeking directions to a Chinese physician.
A second woman then intervened, claiming to know of a suitable physician but explained that consultations could only take place outside the premises due to overcrowding.
The second woman wanted the victim to pose as her relative and both women led the victim to meet a third woman who claimed to be a Chinese physician and told the victim she was experiencing misfortune due to negative spiritual elements.
The three women and the victim then arranged to meet at Hong Lim Park where the victim was convinced to surrender $700 in cash and a gold necklace with a Guan Yin pendant to the "Chinese physician", who then placed the items in a black plastic bag and performed a purported blessing ritual.
The victim was instructed to store the plastic bag underneath her bed and not open it for one month. But the next morning, she examined the contents of the plastic bag and discovered that her valuables had been replaced with leaves.
A similar scam was reported in Clementi on June 4.
Two women approached another victim and engaged her in conversation. After noticing cash in the victim's bag, they convinced her to place the $700 into a black trash bag for "safekeeping". The victim later discovered that her money was missing.
Through extensive ground enquiries and with the aid of CCTV footage, officers established the identities of the three women and a fourth man who was believed to be working with the trio.
All four were arrested on June 5. The first victim's gold necklace was recovered from one of them. Cash amounting to S$1,311 and RMB10,050 were seized as case exhibits.
The suspects were to be charged in court on June 6 with conspiracy to cheat, which carries an imprisonment term of up to 10 years and a fine.
The police said they would like to remind members of the public to be wary of strangers who claim to provide spiritual help or blessing services. No legitimate religious practitioner will ask for your money or valuables to be surrendered for any blessing ritual.
You should be vigilant and alert elderly family members about such scams. If approached by someone claiming you have bad luck or need spiritual cleansing, do not engage with them and call the police immediately.
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