'Blessing scam' losses in Vancouver more than double this year
Vancouver police say fraudsters are approaching elderly residents, mostly in the Chinese community, claiming a family member is in spiritual danger unless valuables are 'blessed.' Victims are convinced to hand over cash and jewellery, which is secretly swapped for worthless items. Losses have already passed $300,000 this year, more than in all of 2025.
What happened
People are approached in public and told that a family member is in spiritual danger unless cash and jewellery are gathered up and blessed. The approach usually involves more than one person, so the story appears to be confirmed by a stranger who happens to be nearby.
The valuables are placed in a bag or cloth during the ceremony and quietly exchanged for worthless items. The loss is often only discovered hours or days later.
Warning signs
- A stranger raises a health, spiritual or family emergency you had not heard about.
- A second or third stranger appears and agrees with the first person's story.
- You are told to keep the matter private, or that acting immediately is essential.
- Someone asks you to collect cash or jewellery from your home or your bank.
- Your valuables are put inside a bag, cloth or package that you do not keep in your own hands.
What to do: STOP · VERIFY · CALL™
It's always okay to say no and walk away. No stranger can 'bless' your money or jewellery — if someone asks you to hand over valuables, call 911.
STOP
It is always all right to say no and walk away. No stranger can bless your money or jewellery, and nothing genuine requires you to hand valuables to someone you have just met.
VERIFY
If the story involves a family member, contact that person yourself using a number you already have. Never rely on details a stranger gives you.
CALL
If someone asks you to hand over valuables, call 911. If it has already happened, call your local police and your bank right away.
Original source report
Vancouver Police Department, July 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Prepared by The Fraud Doctor
Reviewed by Arlene Chamulak, Founder
Last reviewed: September 14, 2026
This alert is shared for education and preparation only. It is a plain-language summary of a report published by the source named above, and it is not legal, financial, investigative or law-enforcement advice. The Fraud Doctor does not investigate fraud or recover money. If you believe a crime has taken place, contact your local police.