Sydney’s ‘Chinese Blessing Scam’: How $3 Million Was Stolen from the Asian Community

• blessing scam
• Sydney crime
• community alert

Police have arrested a woman linked to a $3 million ‘blessing scam’ targeting elderly Chinese Australians. Learn how the scam works, recent developments, and how to protect your family.

Spiritual Blessing Scam: Targeting Sydney’s Elderly

A 63-year-old woman has been arrested and charged over her alleged involvement in a spiritual blessing scam that defrauded a 77-year-old woman in Parramatta. This is just one case in a widespread criminal operation that has stolen more than $3 million from Sydney’s Asian community since July 2023.

How the ‘Chinese Blessing Scam’ Works

• Victims Targeted: Elderly Chinese women are approached in public, usually by individuals posing as spiritual healers or their associates.
• Emotional Manipulation: Scammers exploit cultural beliefs, warning victims of family curses or spiritual dangers that can only be lifted through a blessing ritual.
• ‘Blessing’ Ritual: Victims are convinced to place their cash and jewellery in a bag so it can be ‘blessed’—but the bag is secretly swapped for one filled with worthless items.
• Delayed Discovery: Victims are told not to open the bag for days or weeks, which delays reporting and helps scammers disappear.

Strike Force Sentinel and Ongoing Investigations

NSW Police launched Strike Force Sentinel in April 2025 after a surge in blessing scam reports. More than 80 incidents have been documented in suburbs like Ryde, Burwood, Parramatta, and Hornsby. Police allege a criminal syndicate is behind the operation, with suspects flying into Australia specifically to target the local Chinese community.

Latest Arrests and Court Action

• The arrested woman was taken into custody at Sydney International Airport on 3 July 2025 and has been refused bail.
• She faces charges including obtaining financial advantage by deception, participating in a criminal group, and demanding property with menaces.
• Police say she was directly involved in scamming a 77-year-old Parramatta woman out of cash and jewellery in June 2025.

Warning Signs and Prevention Tips

• Never hand over money, jewellery or valuables for any kind of blessing ritual.
• Do not follow or speak with strangers claiming to be spiritual healers, doctors, or offering to remove curses.
• Avoid bringing unknown people to your home.
• Be wary of anyone who insists on secrecy or asks you not to check your belongings for a period of time.

Support for Victims

• If you or someone you know may have been a victim, report it to the police. All reports are handled confidentially.
• Police recommend using resources like the Language+ app for support if you’re more comfortable communicating in a language other than English.

Authorities’ Message

Police urge the community—especially elderly and non-English speaking members—not to engage with strangers seeking access to valuables, or making spiritual claims. Raising awareness among friends and family can help prevent more people from falling victim.

Ongoing Investigations

Strike Force Sentinel continues to investigate, with a focus on bringing all members of the scam syndicate to justice and recovering stolen assets. The community’s vigilance and willingness to report suspicious activity remain critical to stopping these crimes.