FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, November 16, 2015 10:12 am
(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service wants to warn the public about a fraud scam which has been identified in other parts of Canada and may be occurring in Ottawa.
The "Blessing Scam or the Chinese Evil Spirits Scam" appears to target elderly Chinese women. The premise of the scam is that multiple suspects claim to be doctors and can help cleanse them of evil spirits. The victim is then instructed to bring valuables such as gold, jewellery and cash in a bag to the suspects, which are then turned over for a "blessing". The victim's bag is returned, empty. This scam appears to be well organized.
Anyone with information with respect to this scam is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Organized Fraud Section at 613-236-1222 ext. 5292. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by downloading the Ottawa Police app.
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CONTACT:
Media Relations Section
Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366