'Your son will die': How blessing scammers prowl streets

In recent times, a troubling trend has emerged where scammers are targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly older women in Chinese communities. These scammers employ a deceptive tactic known as the blessing scam, which has been reported in various countries, including the UK, US, Australia, and Canada. The police are actively investigating these cases, and families of the victims are also seeking justice. The blessing scam is a well-orchestrated act that typically involves a group of three women who approach a single unsuspecting victim, often speaking in Cantonese. One such victim is Mungnee, a Chinese Malaysian woman in her sixties living in London. While on her way to a yoga class, Mungnee was approached by a distressed woman who asked if she knew a local healer because her husband was unwell. Mungnee, who holds spiritual beliefs, felt compelled to assist the woman. Shortly after, another woman appeared, claiming to know the healer and offering to guide them to him. Mungnee, wanting to help the upset woman, followed them to a quieter street where a third woman joined the group. This woman claimed to be related to the healer and went to consult him. After a brief conversation, she returned with alarming news. The healer, through his supposed mystical abilities, had revealed that Mungnee was also in danger. He allegedly knew intimate details about her life, including her marital issues and a persistent pain in her leg, which she had not disclosed. The most shocking revelation was that her son was predicted to have an accident within three days and would die unless she took immediate action. The scammers convinced Mungnee that the healer could provide a protective blessing for her son. They instructed her to gather a handful of rice and as much gold and cash as she could find, assuring her that they would bless the items and return them afterward. Feeling reassured, Mungnee complied and was taken to her home to collect her jewelry, followed by a trip to the bank to withdraw £4,000 in cash. The valuables were placed in a plastic bag, and Mungnee believed this was the moment of the exchange. However, upon returning home and opening the bag, she was horrified to discover only a brick, a piece of cake, and two bottles of water inside. Realizing she had been scammed, Mungnee felt a wave of cold panic wash over her and immediately informed her son of the situation. Many of the stolen items held significant sentimental value, having been passed down through generations. The police in various countries have issued warnings about blessing scams, and Mungnee's experience is a classic example of this type of fraud. The BBC has spoken to numerous victims who share similar stories, all involving a distraught stranger and claims of evil spirits threatening a loved one. Interestingly, the name of the fictional healer is often the same in many cases, referred to as 'Mr Koh. ' Victims typically fall prey to these scams within a few hours, with Mungnee's entire ordeal lasting about three hours from start to finish. Anqi Shen, a law professor and former police officer, believes that the blessing scam is a modern manifestation of an age-old tradition of street crime that exploits spiritual beliefs. She explains that many Chinese individuals possess valuable jewelry, particularly pieces made of gold, silver, and jade, which are believed to have protective qualities. This belief makes it plausible for victims to think that their items could offer even greater protection after being blessed. In response to the growing number of blessing scam victims, a social media campaign has been launched to raise awareness. Tuyet van Huynh initiated this campaign after her mother fell victim to a similar scam, losing tens of thousands of pounds. Tuyet's mother was shopping in East London when three women convinced her that her son was in danger from evil spirits. Both Mungnee and Tuyet's mother have reported their cases to the Metropolitan Police, who are investigating the incidents. Tuyet has received reports of other scams occurring in various locations, including Lewisham, Romford, Liverpool, and Manchester. Determined to uncover the truth, Tuyet began gathering CCTV footage from the area where her mother was approached. The footage revealed that her mother followed the scammers' instructions to the letter, appearing almost hypnotized. Tuyet shared the CCTV footage with the BBC, showing her mother handing over a plastic bag containing her valuables to one of the scammers. Interestingly, Tuyet's mother does not consider herself superstitious or spiritual, leaving her puzzled about how the scammers managed to manipulate her. This led Tuyet to explore the possibility that a drug known as Devil's Breath may have been used to influence her mother. Devil's Breath, or scopolamine, is a medication used to treat motion sickness, but in the right dosage, it can render individuals highly suggestible, compromising their free will. Tuyet has no concrete evidence that this drug was involved in her mother's case, but it has been associated with robberies in other countries. The police are still searching for the scammers, and Mungnee is determined to help catch them. She expressed her frustration, stating, 'I told the police, I'm willing to do anything to catch these people. ' It is particularly disheartening for her that the scammers are from her own community, preying on their fellow countrymen.