Three suspected scammers were arrested this week trying to leave New Zealand with a large quantity of cash from their alleged victims, police say.
A 50-year-old man and two women, 59 and 53, were arrested at Auckland International Airport by detectives from Auckland City Police’s financial crime unit.
The trio, all Chinese nationals, were arrested just before they checked in for their flights to China, says detective senior sergeant Craig Bolton.
The three had arrived in New Zealand on October 10.
Police allege that two days later, they began operating a blessing scam, a form of fraud targeting immigrant or elderly communities who are deceived into believing they or their loved ones are cursed or in spiritual danger.
Bolton says police have jointly charged the three suspects with two counts of obtaining by deception.
The charges relate to two victims – one who lost $14,500 and jewellery, and another who lost $15,000.
The accused were remanded in custody following their arrest and were due to appear in the Auckland District Court in the past few days.
Police are continuing to tally the money that has been recovered and say it’s a substantial amount.
Perpetrators of blessing scams pose as healers or spiritual practitioners, offering to remove the curse or bring good fortune in exchange for money or valuable items, Bolton says.
Victims are pressured to hand over cash or jewellery, typically instructed not to open the packages they receive, only to later discover that the contents are worthless.
While the financial crime unit has identified two victims so far, it’s highly likely more people were targeted, Bolton says.
“We urge anyone who may have fallen victim to this scam to contact us and encourage members of New Zealand’s Chinese community to talk with elderly relatives and make a report if they have been scammed.”
Police say if anyone has any information that could help their enquiries to contact them at https://105.police.govt.nz(link is external) or call 105.
Police say in New Zealand, blessing scams have predominantly targeted Chinese communities, exploiting cultural beliefs in spiritual healing and curses.
“This type of fraud has been active in New Zealand for more than 15 years, with a notable rise in cases in Auckland in recent years,” Bolton says.
“Police have continued to raise awareness within at-risk communities, yet these fraudulent activities persist, often carried out by well-coordinated groups.
“Police remain committed to protecting all members of the public from fraud and financial harm and ensuring that everyone feels safe from deceptive practices.
“We encourage the community to stay vigilant against scams and to remain cautious when approached by individuals offering unsolicited services.”
