Chinese Blessing Scams: How Organised Syndicates Target Elderly Australians

• blessing scam
• organised crime
• elder abuse

More than $3 million stolen in ‘blessing scams’ targeting elderly Chinese women. Learn how these scams work, who’s behind them, and how to protect your loved ones.

‘Blessing Scams’ Strike Sydney: What’s Happening?

NSW Police are warning the community after more than $3 million in cash and valuables have allegedly been stolen from elderly Chinese women through a highly organised ‘spiritual blessing scam’. The syndicate—run by fly-in, fly-out criminals—is accused of orchestrating more than 80 incidents in Sydney since 2023, with similar scams across the eastern states.

How the Blessing Scam Works

• Target: Elderly Chinese women are approached in public by scammers exploiting cultural beliefs and fears.
• Fake Curse Warning: Victims are told they, or their family, are in spiritual danger or cursed.
• Spiritual Healer Ruse: Scammers persuade victims to visit a supposed ‘spiritual healer’, who instructs them to bring all valuables and life savings to be ‘blessed’ for protection.
• Swap & Steal: The valuables are secretly swapped out for worthless items while victims are distracted, then the bag is returned and victims are told not to look inside for a period of time.
• Orchestrated Roles: The group operates with specific, well-rehearsed roles, making the scam highly effective and difficult to detect.

Recent Arrests and Ongoing Investigation

Police have charged Yuee Ruan, 63, after arresting her at Sydney International Airport. She’s accused of returning to Australia to continue offending. Another man, also 63, was arrested at Brisbane Airport and is being extradited to Sydney. At least 50 fraudsters are believed to be involved, with 25 already identified and 11 warrants issued. Some syndicate leaders coordinate the scam from overseas.

Why This Scam Is So Effective

• Cultural Exploitation: Scammers use victims’ cultural beliefs in spiritual blessings and curses to manipulate emotions and trust.
• Shame and Secrecy: Many victims feel embarrassed, making these crimes under-reported.
• Highly Organised: Everyone in the syndicate knows their part, with detailed planning and quick execution. They fly in and out of Australia regularly, targeting new victims each time.

Where and Who Is Being Targeted?

• Incidents have occurred across Sydney in suburbs such as Ryde, Burwood, Parramatta, Hornsby, Campsie, and Cabramatta.
• Victims are generally elderly Chinese women, but anyone from the community may be approached.
• Scammers often appear as women in their 40s of Asian appearance, sometimes operating in groups of three or four.

Real Stories: The Emotional Toll

• In Parramatta, a 77-year-old woman lost $130,000 in cash and valuables.
• In Campsie, a 76-year-old was told her daughter would be injured if her wealth wasn’t blessed.
• In Cabramatta, a 71-year-old was warned her son would be in a car accident if she didn’t hand over valuables.

How to Protect Yourself and Loved Ones

• Never hand over money or valuables to strangers for ‘spiritual’ or ‘blessing’ reasons—no legitimate practice requires this.
• Be sceptical of anyone claiming you or your family are cursed or in danger and offering to ‘fix’ it for money.
• Talk to trusted family, friends, or police if approached—don’t keep it secret out of shame.
• If you see suspicious activity, or know someone who may be at risk, contact the police immediately.
• Community leaders and organisations can help educate vulnerable groups about these scams.

Reporting and Support

• Police are urging any victims, or anyone with information, to come forward and assist ongoing investigations.
• If you or someone you know has been targeted, report to NSW Police or your local authorities. Community liaison officers can provide support in multiple languages.

Staying Vigilant

The spiritual blessing scam is a cruel, calculated crime that preys on trust, cultural values, and vulnerability. Staying informed, talking openly, and reporting all suspicious encounters are the best ways to protect our communities and bring offenders to justice.