Police: ‘Blessing scam’ crimes double in Vancouver

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) is warning residents about so-called ‘blessing scams,’ saying the number of incidents have doubled in the last year.

Police explained that these crimes typically prey on elderly victims from the Chinese community, wherein perpetrators approach their target stating that a “terrible misfortune or curse will befall them” unless they retrieve valuable items to be "blessed." Victims are then led to their homes to retrieve their valuables, only to have the criminals use sleight of hand to steal the goods. Only later, after the criminals are long gone, do the victims realize their valuables are missing.

VPD explained that the criminals exploit “deep-seated cultural fear” with their victims.

“The increase in incidents this year compared to last is deeply concerning to the VPD,” said Inspector Shiv Gill. “The criminals behind these scams use fear to manipulate very vulnerable people into handing over large sums of money. It’s cruel and it leaves victims and their families facing significant financial issues, not to mention the loss of cherished family heirlooms”

In 2026 thus far, victims from the Chinese community have lost more than $300,000 in cash, gold, and jewelry in thirteen different blessing scams incidents. Police said that over half of the incidents occurred in east and southeast Vancouver, and encouraged any additional victims to come forward.

VPD released video and images of two suspects from a June 24, 2026 incident that occurred at approximately 1:45pm, wherein a 78-year-old woman in the 2500 block of East 20^th Avenue was tricked out of $23,282 and three pieces of jewelry.

Suspect #1 – Asian female. Approximately 50 years of age, 160cm tall, with black hair and wearing a round sun hat, a grey jacket, white shirt, grey pants, a surgical mask and back support brace.

Suspect #2 – Asian male, approximately 60 years of age, 170 cm tall, wearing a grey baseball hat, dark coloured jacket, grey pants, carrying a black bag.

VPD encouraged residents to talk to friends and family about the risk of blessing scams, and added that their officers will be at Chong Lee Market (3818 Rupert St) and T&T Supermarket (2206 Kingsway) this Sunday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. handing out flyers to the Chinese community to raise awareness, and offered the following tips to avoid becoming a victim:

• One or more strangers may approach you, and will speak your language.
• They may claim that your family will have misfortunes and say they can protect you.
• They may ask you to hand over money, jewelry, or valuables so they can “Bless” them.
• Do not give them anything. Trust your instincts, remember what they look like and walk away.
• Tell a family member right away and call 911 to report the incident to the police immediately.