01: Chinese Woman Scammed Out of $200,000: Multiple Suspicious Factors

A recent shocking case of a Chinese elderly woman being scammed of nearly AUD $200,000 has come to light in Australia. This case, which occurred in the Chinese community, sheds light on the growing "blessing fraud" scam, which is silently spreading and causing immense financial losses to victims.

The actual number of victims may be far higher, as many choose not to report due to feelings of shame. Global estimates suggest that over AUD $100 million has been lost to such frauds, and the number of unreported cases is likely much larger.

In the inner-west of Sydney, an 85-year-old woman, Mei Lin, fell victim to this type of scam, making her case a textbook example of this fraudulent scheme.

Mei Lin, who was in good health and living independently, was approached by two Asian women while mailing a letter on Henley Road in Homebush West, Sydney, in January 2018. The women introduced themselves as fellow countrywomen and lured her to a secluded area. Soon after, a third man appeared, claiming to be a "healer" who could "save her family."

What was baffling was that this man accurately knew private details about Mei Lin's daughter and warned her that if she didn't hand over her valuable items for "blessing," her family would face a "blood disaster."

Mei Lin, a normally cautious person, was convinced to hand over her most precious possessions: AUD $196,000 worth of jewelry (including a 1.87-carat antique diamond ring) and AUD $5,000 in cash from her bank account. The fraudsters left her with a "mysterious" package, which, upon inspection, contained only a bottle of water and two candles.

The family later reported the incident to the police, but the investigation yielded little results. No CCTV footage was obtained, and no suspects have been arrested.

Mei Lin has remained tight-lipped about the incident and refuses to discuss why she willingly handed over her most cherished belongings.

After the case gained public attention, Mei Lin's lawyer, Laina Chan, raised questions: How could this normally rational woman suddenly act so submissively? Chan speculated that the fraudsters may have used a drug known as "Devil's Breath" to manipulate Mei Lin.

02: “Devil's Breath” – A Potential Drug in Play?

"Devil's Breath," scientifically known as Scopolamine, is a potent drug derived from the plant Mandragora (Henbane), capable of inducing hallucinations and rendering people extremely compliant.

The drug can be administered through inhalation, and within minutes, the victim loses their ability to make rational decisions, often resulting in them voluntarily handing over valuable items. The effects are difficult to detect after 24 hours, making it even more dangerous. Scopolamine has been widely used by criminal gangs in South America, particularly in Colombia.

Dr. David Caldicott from the Australian National University confirmed the dangerous effects of this drug, stating that it has a strong influence on older adults. If successfully administered, it can control their behavior and lead them to surrender their valuables.

However, the police have denied any involvement of drugs in the case, with New South Wales Police stating, "There is no evidence suggesting the involvement of drugs in these cases."

Despite the lack of clear evidence, the possibility of Scopolamine being used in scams like this remains a cause for concern.

03: New South Wales Police Take Action – Chinese Suspects Arrested

By April 2024, with cases of this nature continuing to rise, New South Wales Police launched "Operation Sentinel," targeting blessing scams in areas like Ryde, Burwood, Parramatta, and Hornsby.

In July, two Chinese nationals were arrested, and another seven suspects were issued warrants. The operation covered cases from July 2023 onwards, totaling over AUD $3 million in losses across 85 incidents.

However, older cases like Mei Lin's, which occurred before July 2023, have not been included in the investigation. Police estimate the number of victims in Sydney may have already reached hundreds.

What's more troubling is that the fraudsters often enter Australia on tourist visas and leave the country swiftly after committing their crimes. Police tracked one gang that made 20 trips to Australia over two years to conduct scams.

Chan criticized the delayed response from authorities, pointing out that this scam has been around for over 20 years, yet it wasn't until 2023 that significant resources were dedicated to fighting it.

Final Thoughts

Fraud targeting the elderly and vulnerable, often utilizing cultural identity to manipulate victims, is a deeply concerning issue. It's essential to remain vigilant when approached by strangers on the street, especially when the topic involves "blessings" or "disaster relief."

Families with elderly members, particularly those who live alone, must ensure they have open lines of communication and educate them on common scams. This will help reduce the chances of criminals taking advantage of vulnerable individuals.

If you or someone you know is approached with such a scam, immediately contact family or the authorities. Protecting our communities starts with awareness and vigilance.