York Police warn of 'evil spirit blessing scam'

CTV Toronto
Police are warning residents in York Region of an ongoing scam they say preys on people’s fears of being possessed by “evil spirits.”

York Regional Police say they received two reports from citizens in the City of Markham who have fallen victim to this scam.

Police say the scam involves a group of suspects that approach victims on the street. In one of the reported cases, police say a victim was approached at a grocery store located in the Woodbine Avenue and 16th Avenue area.

According to police, the suspects talk to the victims, warning them that they are surrounded by evil spirits and that a family member will die within three days if the spirits are not removed.

Police say the suspects offer to remove the evil spirits right away, but in order to do so, the victims need to go home, gather all of their cash and valuables, and bring them back for a blessing. When the victims return, police say the suspects take the bag of valuables and switch it with one containing items of little or no value.

Police say a victim in one case reported losing more than $8,000 worth of cash and jewelry.

According to police, the suspects speak Cantonese and appear to be targeting elderly Chinese woman.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 1-866-876-5423, extension 6627.