The curse of the Chinese blessing scam - BBC Trending, BBC World Service

[@BBCWorldService]

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[@Tubeflux]

More and more education is needed even for the elderly … Magic powers or superstition must be eradicated, that is the belief in them

[@ismetdere]

This girl (host) is extremely hypnotizing to me :))

[@Mr.aAdDies]

This is a VERY basic hustle it’s not deserving of a video

[@BearingMySeoul]

@@Mr.aAdDies Right. It's giving good old fashioned witchcraft. lol

[@yelloworchid1840]

The victim has been commendable for telling us her story

[@christinesia6909]

This happens in Asia too. But no details such as this , first time hearing of the Devil's plant.

[@1112viggo]

Yeah, id be less embarrassed crapping my pants on live tv than admitting to this. Hopefully somebody somewhere learns something from the story they couldn't have guessed themselves

[@VioletProVixen]

If only she could have been commendable by having the most minimal level of common sense and social intelligence

[@MrVariant]

7:37 devil's breath wow to confuse someone too. So much organization too.

[@bdcalling1391]

Poor lady, so proud she spoke out.

[@easypeasy2991]

I was approached two Chinese women in Leeds market, the first one looking for a healer and a second one ‘coincidentally’ knew where he was…. I just said if you guys knew this healer i don’t need to go with and just refused to go with them. I suspected something wrong, now I see your report i’m glad I didn’t budge. Thanks for the report!

[@donprincoify]

This is why people don't respect BBC anymore. We all know scamming is an industry in India not China, so are they making this hit piece "exposing" China? Not only do almost all the scam call originate in India but if you do visit the country itself, almost every Indian you will encounter will try some sort of scam on you.

[@jacktran7024]

i woz there looking for a massage with sad ending and a fella there tells me 'hey i know a place'....then another bloke came out nowhere and said 'i just had one....follow me'

[@squiggs1002]

I would refuse to go with a stranger to an unknown location no matter what they claimed. I feel like only elderly superstitious people could fall for this scam.

[@lindal7842]

This happened to me on my high street a few months ago. I managed to walk away because I realised very quickly that there’s no such thing as super coincidence. How could three strangers suddenly have a connection on a suburban high street. I told them I don’t believe in superstition or the supernatural. I was more concerned that my parking was running out and I could be hit by a hefty penalty. I asked them for a mobile contact number so I could get back to them but they refused. They kept saying: don’t you want to help your family? I insisted that I would have to consult my spouse. I ran away as fast as I could! Close call, indeed!

[@weareallgodschildrenlovefr9556]

You are the smart one! 🤣🤣🤣❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍

[@lindal7842]

@@weareallgodschildrenlovefr9556 😅🥰🤪

[@dr.gaosclassroom]

If I were you, I'd call the police or threaten to call the police right away!!

[@lindal7842]

@@dr.gaosclassroom I should have, I suppose. It’s becoming rife. I’ll go share with my local police. Thanks for the nudge.

[@dr.gaosclassroom]

@@lindal7842 Good on you!!

[@delta8402]

As a Chinese, I’m ashamed of the those who committed such crime. In China there used to be scams like this too, just leave them along and refuse talking to them, you’ll be fine.

[@dr.gaosclassroom]

Why are you feel ashamed? These criminals have nothing to do with you!! If you live in UK, US, or any civil society, you should call the police right away if you encounter such scammers so that no one gets harmed by these criminals. Their ethnicity has nothing to do with their crime. They are criminals first and foremost.

[@lindal7842]

@@delta8402 It’s really hard to walk away when you see someone in need. But these street scams are really abhorrent and we have to protect ourselves by being uncaring. Such a shame!

[@Blessedron1]

@@lindal7842if someone really needs help they’ll call 999, we live in the U.K. our ambulance and police services are easily available. Just ignore them and walk away.

[@krollpeter]

It is still present in China, albeit probably not anymore as openly. The level of creativity some Chinese people come up with to invent scams is absolutely astonishing to me.

[@henrywong-p8u]

why do make it like every chinese people does this? yes you should be ashamed

[@NancyHsu-f9m]

I'm of Asian descent, middle aged, ill, and alone. I grew up in an abusive, neglecting family. The desperate need to have emotional connections and being too polite, not wanting to hurt others can make me drop my guard easily. But, I draw the line regarding evil spirits and blessings and allowing strangers access to my valuables/money and home. Nor do I believe in good or bad karma. You have to be street smart, vigilant, and use common sense. I hope these victims forgive themselves and not let this destroy their lives.

[@yamadakenji4143]

The conversation should stop right after the word "cursed" and "evil spirit"

[@loneranger66888]

Yes… it’s already weird enough to hear it from strangers.. walk away fast..

[@Starforme-xr6sb]

right

[@dtks888]

Unfortunately, it's to do with the cultural beliefs of some of the older population. The fact that the scammers look like you & speak your language means that their 'act' seems more plausible, ie. they share my superstitious/spiritual beliefs 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@Khanmla-oc4hg]

@@dtks888especially in the context of all being abroad in third country , as different race immigrants. You subconsciously trust your country/race/religion mates

[@shinylilfish]

@@dtks888 Also, you're surrounded by 3 strange women. I'd be scared of refusing.

[@RespectOthers1]

This is why when I’m not at home I always check the Ring Cam when my elderly parents return home to see if they are accompanied/followed by anyone.

[@dr.gaosclassroom]

Good on you!!

[@mariamaria_4957]

The lesson is ‘Do not talk to strangers’.

[@eta2380]

In the violent U.S., if some bum talks to you and you ignore them, that could cause them to attack you

[@KigurumiAlice]

Stranger danger 😮

[@jamfarhan404]

The aggrieved woman's last sentence has an astonishing impact. She really made a great impression of doing good things would reward you with amazing blessings.

[@lynnmann9123]

OMG that is exactly what happened to me in Croydon High Street 2 months ago. I m not a religious nor superstitious person at all however because they were so convincing that I didn't want any harm to my son I agreed to go to the bank to get cash for them. Whilst I was waiting in the queue I started to question why they only wanted pure white/ gold, diamonds, rolex, jade & cash - allegedly items closest to our touch/body (to ward-off evil spirts) and not my underwear, jumpers, socks etc that's when the penny dropped and realised it's a scam. Be warned of strangers befriending you in the street!!!

[@Qwerty92742]

Nobody is that naive to befriend strangers, I am always cautious about people who are extra friendly and reach out to you first. I grew up around less-fortune people than me, they see you as nothing but a prey. I don't befriend new people, unless they're richer than me.

[@ٴٴٴٴ_0]

@Rinshidotokata Why only people richer than you? Why not befriend people with the same amount of money you have? I'm not judging, I'm just curious because I don't feel comfortable around rich people (they act like they live in another planet), but I know people who are a lot poorer are likely to try and take advantage of you, so befriending the same social class makes more sense to me.

[@Qwerty92742]

@@TianWong-pi1pt ?

[@wootang9485]

@@Qwerty92742You think they are richer than you

[@delphinidin]

Good on you for realizing it! Just think if that queue had been short and you hadn't had time to stop for a moment and think about the situation. It might have turned out very differently. That's one of the tools of scammers: if they rush their target, they not only get their adrenaline running, which inhibits rational thought, but the target is also more likely to do what they say and then only realize the problems later.

[@samchan3814]

Hi, I am from Australia, it had happened to my mom back in 2018 when she went to shop and got scam by 3 Chinese ladies exactly the same story with your mom, they took away her money as well as jewellery, we did reported to police but nothing they could do about it, can’t believe that they still doing it.

[@daniella8400]

Can’t believe people are falling for it

[@ndahiya3730]

Probably the police department got their share.

[@babajaga158]

@@ndahiya3730 its Australia not f china

[@ndahiya3730]

@@babajaga158 As if it matters. Police & policing system is the same in all Britishit erstwhile colonies and current shell companies like America, Canada, NZ & Australia.

[@babajaga158]

@@ndahiya3730 oh so u think police take money from chainese scammers. Lol

[@sandytan7200]

It has also happened in Bristol. I wish they could translate this programme in Cantonese for the older generation.

[@henrywong-p8u]

you could get scam any time

[@private7668]

Wow this is crazy. Thank you for raising this issue it helps to be aware.

[@stoopidvideoz]

Strange how spirits are all appeased by money.

[@xonx209]

Nobody in their right mind would bring a stranger home, and then show the stranger her valuables.

[@BearingMySeoul]

Yeah. But it's clear these women are doing witchcraft on others. It's similar to hypnotism.

[@Macky1101]

Same thing happened to me. They told me my son is cursed and they can remove the curse. I told them I don't have a son. They said they meant my daughter is cursed. I told them I don't have a daughter. Then they told me my cat is cursed and they can help if I give them money. I handed over my money. After I got home, I realized I don't even have a cat.

[@Orosian5]

Good thing they didn't curse your gerbil.

[@nroshstp]

😂

[@madeinpinas215]

😂😂😂

[@sunemushendwa]

Hahahahaha 😂

[@asifhassan4980]

Hahahahaha

[@crustymilkcap]

This is why logic and reason are important

[@godofliberty3664]

Absolutely correct

[@CallmeKJ75]

This happened to my Mum in St Albans. Thanks for investigating this and helping make this scam known.

[@KydSyster20]

In the U.S. it’s called the “prosperity gospel”…it’s disgusting and horrible and these preying pastors will get what they deserve.

[@cherioncoutinho8501]

Well spoken

[@jesusisgod2742]

The Lord, God is Justice and His Word is righteousness!

[@elvenkind6072]

Perhaps a better word is the "Judas gospel", as he was the disciple with control over the money of the group of followers. The love of money is the root of all evil, say's the bible. So "pastors" that claim that riches are a good thing and preach about the love of money are not people to be trusted, they are clearly using people seeking kindness, love and peace, and using those that are thinking of fellow Christians as brothers and sisters. Wolves in sheep's clothing.

[@jgloom41]

only naive believe such bs

[@ylive5169]

Thank you. Something similar happened to my mother over 40 years ago. It's these criminals who prey on the unsuspecting devout.... And not knowing Scriptural truth 🙏🏼🕊️ So, yes, these "wolves in sheep clothing" continue - they just refine their tactics!

[@beatpirate8]

Good reporting Elaine Chong! I love everything you cover. Its so relevant. I reviewed it with my mom so she wont be scammed this way! Thank you!

[@vinikodama]

London has this 2 sides: the wealthy and high productivity but in other side a lot of scams, snatches and money laundry. It's traumatising for the people who has good intentions. It's so sad.

[@vinikodama]

​@NotYet2Set If you had lived what many people in London is suffering , maybe you could emphatize with them. It's funny to make fun of a comment perhaps my comment is from a person who had a hard time in London and saw many people having this same hard time.

[@4403323]

I love London. But I almost got scammed there.

[@vinikodama]

@@dxntjxnxthexxm I totally agree with you, every big city encounters all kinds of crimes. What I can't stand is when a person mocks a comment that looks forward to reinforcing the acknowledgment of this kind of crime. A city the size of London should not experience with this constancy. I am sure that most of the population feels unsafe,in a certain level, in there. And I can't stand how the government doesn't hold account for these crimes that have been happening. This Scam is a drop in the middle of a lake of crimes happening around there. English is not my first language perhaps I am sure that a reader could understand what I was trying to say, for sure it's not ''funny'' and if you want to give attention to this word as wrong, I am sorry for using it this way.

[@vinikodama]

@@dxntjxnxthexxm Ok, thank you. That's an interesting approach, gonna keep that in mind.

[@Marianchua]

Scams similar to this have also happened in Malaysia and the common target seems to be elderly Chinese women

[@kristinapaxton9686]

Sun Tzu ( author of Art of War) said one of the ways to manipulate someone is through their superstitions. Therefore this strategy has probably been going on at least since the 5th centuary BC!

[@dr.gaosclassroom]

Absolutely!!

[@codyeasonBGR]

Us election just happend

[@ThinkForYourself2025]

I've been scammed, and you always feel stupid. You're not stupid, though. Bad shit just happens to good people all the time.

[@GrapeCheez2]

No

[@liebfraumilch3518]

This type of scam had been happen in China for a long history.

[@MH-pz8wf]

It's exported internationally. Like pickpocket has been around since human existence, yet it is still victimizes people everywhere in the world. Old tricks never die

[@spicysealion-et8kf]

There must be records of ancient scams in China and through out the world. Someone needs to compile them together into a popular book.

[@yellowlynx]

Once they get the fear into the victim, the emotions and fear will override any rationality in the victims head. This crime is well known here in Asia, especially in Hong Kong for over a decade. Now the criminals are just moving to another place to find new victims.

[@SS-ve9cd]

My mum has been scammed thousands of dollars 9 years ago in Sydney Australia. 2 of my mum's friends also were scammed last year in Sydney Australia.

[@dr.gaosclassroom]

Sorry to hear that. I feel for your mum and her friends. There are criminals everywhere and in every ethnic community. One just has to be vigilant regarding safety!!

[@pandainpearls]

Same with my mother in Sydney :(

[@rachelsplanet6282]

What is the ethnicity of the scammers?

[@Tyagi0817]

​@@rachelsplanet6282 Ask me.

[@tomchen513]

Anyone that tells you to reject doctors, heal by praying, or offer a remedy, is probably doing a scam.

[@reincarnate3440]

Jeez this old trick was being mentioned on a TV programme sponsored by the police department 20 years ago in Hong Kong, can't believe people still fall for this...

[@liverpix]

Well, people who live in the UK don't generally watch HK tv !

[@goodbye-lil.dic.donald]

It's been all over the world, for decades! All of these scams - remember the 1990s? You would get an email from a Nigerian prince. Those same scammers have sons/grandsons. Now they use dating apps and social media and claim that they work on an oil rig.

[@goodbye-lil.dic.donald]

I watch recent catfish shows and my mind is boogled. They think they are "dating" a famous person! And makes me realize - It's just an attack on the vulnerable, pick on the runt, a bird of prey swooping in on a helpless kitten. Predators target little old ladies walking down the street alone. They creep around online, finding widows and other vulnerable types - women in unhappy relationships is huge. They post - it's complicated - as a relationship status!!!

[@lin90210]

Chinese are superstitious. Hong Kongers are superstitious.

[@MilkByCow]

How silly of us - everyone knows HK media broadcasts globally and has been doing so for at least 20 years.

[@youknow6968]

Good to see Chinese issues being discussed on the BBC. East Asians and South East Asians make up a large minority in the West but they hardly get any airtime.

[@henbane2247]

The Chinese have had a lot of coverage by the BBC over the last several years but it's been usually negative so it's nice to see some more balanced reporting from them

[@youknow6968]

@@henbane2247 no they have not. You're confusing Chinese with China. China is a country, Chinese in the West are citizens and residents. I wasn't referring to China, but Chinese communities in the West. They deserve to be represented and their concerns highlighted.

[@caesar7734]

I don’t see asians in ads often

[@annaniki9649]

you think the bbc really care oh my

[@youknow6968]

@@annaniki9649 what's wrong with you?

[@lindsaypreston18]

You’re bravery is an inspiration . Thank you for your courage.

[@360Fov]

This is when BBC are on form imo....proper documentaries, with no apparent messaging or attempt to influence beliefs etc.. The Japan/Subway Stalker doc and the Monkey Abuse doc were incredible too.

[@Accuface2000]

The reporter is biased though. Calling it a Chinese scam as if there are no scams in the UK.

[@Starforme-xr6sb]

@@Accuface2000 Chinese are scammers

[@lifeisbutadreamsodreamon]

​@@Accuface2000🤐 this is a specific Chinese scam praying on Chinese (usually older) folks as this is relying on their cultural beliefs. How is this misnamed? 🙃😅 tell me you didn't watch the full video without saying so 🥴

[@GrapeCheez2]

Where in video did she say it only happens to Chinese?

[@feliciabrown2014]

Fear. The weak spot through which the scammers hook themselves into a person's mind is fear-fear for loved ones. This is where the rational mind stops functioning, and the victim can be operated like an infected computer. The more I discover the workings of the human psyche the more I can see how we (definitely me) run like computers, executing a program in the background we are not aware of. A program we picked up in early childhood very often. My heart goes out to the people who got scammed and at the same time, they learned a very valuable lesson which hopefully will allow them to 'reprogram' themselves and become a more whole person. No experience in life is wasted :)

[@bettyyu1501]

😊

[@Dopendekhang]

Fear is the key. If you want to control or manipulate people than induce fear in them.

[@dtks888]

Like Trump & Vance 🤦🏻‍♂️🤬😭

[@Robin-h6j]

DJT

[@daraa151]

That how religion works

[@knguyen4435]

I'm impressed with the daughter. She's brilliant!

[@kitcat6053]

I feel sorry for the mothers who lost their savings to the scammers. In China, it's very common that family and relatives ask someone for money to invest in shares or stupid businesses, and promise they will return the money. Most of the case they will lose most of the money and refuse to return what they borrowed. I think it's worse than scams. It really damage the relationship, which it's not like money that you can earn. This happened to my family and myself. I donated money to the templs until I found out those how those people in the religion industry spend the donations, I realized it's a scam as well.

[@劉兆崴-h7c]

No matter where you encounter danger or fear, you can recite “Namo Guanyin Bodhisattva.” Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva will come to help you and save you.

[@iaklearns]

Great documentary raising awareness of this situation! Been hearing this around the Chinese community. Still baffled on how it works and how they manipulate people. This 'Devils Breath' plant is intriguing.

[@mnmj]

The Devil's Breath part isn't fully accurate, particularly the part about it simply being blown in people's faces and them becoming compliant to hand over money/pins. These claims have so far not had much of an evidence base and are more urban legends. I think there's more evidence of people having drinks spiked with it, e.g. in clubs. Makes you wonder why they interviewed a journalist in this video and not a proper scientist/toxicologist to comment on that part directly. A scientist would have said it's unlikely Devil's Breath was used in these scams. People doing these scams are professionals at it and they target vulnerable folks using tried and tested methods of scamming people.

[@yolandatubin8126]

Kudos to the victim for sharing her story. Hope she will be blessed in other ways…….So many scams these days literally anyone can be a victim there are so many.

[@n3rdh3rd52]

That’s so sad. Those scammers would be so angry with me. I would only have a value bag of around $5 they can bless

[@Liliarthan]

I’d need to ask them for a loan 🤣

[@Edie_MHNT]

You don't agree to a blessing ritual on the sidewalk by someone you met a moment ago. You must be street smart to find your way around tricky situations. Handing over your jewellery to a total stranger is unbelievable. The red flags were so obvious. I'm glad she spoke up, and I hope she finds the strength to get over this traumatic experience.

[@joanneentwistle7653]

There are a lot of people being judgemental here, but just listening to the woman who was interviewed makes you realize that these are not necessarily stupid people. The woman who was scammed was articulate and fairly intelligent. So it makes you wonder if these scammers use some form of drug as mentioned in the report as well.

[@Devils-advocate78]

Being articulate doesn’t mean you can’t be stupid. Giving over your life savings to a complete stranger so she can perform a blessing over them is beyond stupid whichever way you look at it

[@kennethvenezia4400]

Not stupid, naive and superstitious

[@bevbevbev_]

it is easy to assume the victims are stupid people unless you grew up in a culture where people believe in superstitions. I grew up being told this uncle is an evil person and this aunty is an evil person. pastors will say "xyz family member is out to get you so you have to pray all the time " . Like the woman who said she grew up going to temples, I would probably believe these scammers even though I am still unlearning these things.

[@virginiawai8485]

Hello there, it takes 2 hands to clap. These ‘victims’ just did not want to admit they were stupid. Most of these elderly women had ruled their household like a dictator, remember ‘Asian Tiger mum’; these missed this power when their children grew up and they felt useless/powerless. So when someone come along and say they can help their sons, they jump to it. They are willing victims. I know, I am from that culture.

[@garliccity9121]

​@@Devils-advocate78 don't speak too soon my friend, calling the victims stupid

[@familywu3869]

Thank you for your testimony and sharing!

[@Stephan__o.x]

Absolutely horrible

[@singyue1399]

Thanks for your coverage on this subject matter! Good work!

[@seantivenan9593]

I believe part of the con is that the scammers know after the event the victim feels so stupid they never mention it again and that's how they get away with it. But this lady is stronger and braver and has had the courage to shine the light. The scammers took advantage of her faith but it's her faith that makes her brave. She will know that she has been a beacon and has helped spare many more people the same humiliation, and that's worth more than money. I wish her good fortune for the future.

[@gee_emm]

A stranger approaches you, predicts your future and requests a bag of cash. How can people be so naïve?

[@user-pb1rz4xu3x]

Didn't you watch the documentary? They have the same ancestry background and age. If you live abroad, then meet someone of the same race, you will feel a sense of 'familiarity'. You should be careful too. Don't ever think you'll never get scammed, always be careful.

[@gee_emm]

@ There are millions of people that share my ancestry and billions that share my race, and many of us "live abroad". That doesn't change the fact that these people are strangers. Someone can have the exact same background as me, but that doesn't mean they are automatically a good person. On the contrary, women are most likely to be harmed by a person they know or are close to, let alone a random on the street. Yes, I too have been scammed. Which is precisely why I do not entertain the predictions of strangers who request a bag full of money from me. There has to be an element of accountability and scepticism if we hope to survive these kinds of scams. In what scenario is it ever a good idea to hand a stranger a bag full of cash?

[@user-pb1rz4xu3x]

@gee_emm nevermind, I can't help you put yourself in other people's shoes. You should travel and read more and expand your friends circle if you want to understand. It has to do with their culture and generation (age).

[@RayMak]

This is sad

[@goldengirl1212]

Thank you, for this warning...i am going to start wearing my face mask now....

[@motleyassortment5512]

Never believe a stranger approaching you out of nowhere !

[@雪花冰玉-xuehuabingyu]

There are scammers everywhere. So, don't believe people very easily.

[@Sky-Man777]

Most likely from Fujian

[@jgloom41]

extacly even romance scammers

[@ningningzhou777]

this exactly happened to my mother in law and my mother in China. My in law lost money and jewelry. My father stopped mother from falling into the trap. These people are so bad.

[@joyce132]

This happened in San Francisco as well. I remember reading about it a year ago. Exactly same story except the 1st lady that approaches is on a phone call with the 3rd lady. You don't know that she is on the call because she has her phone in her pocket. When the 1st lady approaches the victim, the 3rd lady can hear the entire conversation. So later when the 3rd lady comes, she pretends she is psychic and knows things about the victim.

[@soosmate]

That’s a messed up trick but this whole thing is a trick…

[@firefly2508]

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

[@mahalmaribel6763]

Hi Ms. Chong, your documentary is very interesting and really scary..I have to aware my family here in the Philippines about this ruthless criminals...you look cute too!

[@SandyLaw-b8o]

Quite the same thing happened to my mother eight years ago. She got scammed in quite the same way with all her family jewelries and thousands of yuan, some of which was borrowed from her neighbor. It's detestable!

[@Blessedron1]

😢 Sorry to all the victims out there.

[@Liquid_Cooled]

moral of the story, don't trust/follow/help ANYONE. The worst is too crazy and there are too many bad people these days.

[@rayc2468]

Dam, this hit home so much. Such a bad scam

[@Logic_Bum]

Beiliving in superstitious nonsense is a pretty good indicator to scammers that you’re an easy target. Stage 1 of the scam is designed to weed out the non-gullible.

[@scipioafricanus4875]

Thanks for the info I'm sorry for the victims

[@ADAMSIXTIES]

The question is if people can fall for scams like this should they be in control of their own finances? And why aren't the authorities setting up sting operations for the scammers?

[@Phjghh]

I think she was hypnotized somehow. In India there is news about criminals hypnotising ppl who withdraw large amount of money from the bank. Victims somehow handover the money willingly under effect of hypnotizing. This happens inside the bank itself. There was also news about a hypnotist criminal making a bank manager hand him Indian Rs 93,000. The bank manager did this as told by the hypnotist.

[@catherinebrau3523]

You have to believe in hypnoses

[@ٴٴٴٴ_0]

I believe there was some sort of pressure/coercion involved as well

[@Phjghh]

@@catherinebrau3523 Hypnotists have even hypnotized 🐔. You can google it. Chicken believes in hypnotism to get hypnotised?

[@billyponsonby]

Superstitious people have always been exploited. It’s one of the main reasons it exists - you make a few people rich and powerful and everyone else do what they’re told.

[@AngelMaiwa]

This happened to me,but my fifth sense stood up😂😂 I heard give me your stuff,I just begun walking so quickly and ran off.There are so convincing.

[@englishmadeeasy6515]

The scammers said they want to bless the son but they started blessing the money instead. This is something like a red flag and one must stop then and there.

[@aNicerPlace]

Same problem here. Critical thinking should be mandatory in schools.

[@xonx209]

Unfortunately it would never be allowed in schools. All kinds of people are threatened by independently thinking kids.

[@4403323]

Scammers are texting to our phones every single day.

[@vestaosto]

A similar crime happened recently in Japan too!

[@CC-wx5jn]

Wow, such scam has now spread to the Western countries. My mum & auntie have experienced the same incident in Malaysia, approached by Chinese people from China, using the same story, threats & fear techniques etc. Thankfully my mum was alert & quickly walked away from their conversations. As for my auntie, she almost bought into it until they asked her to pass them her valuables & money to perform the rituals. They were very convincing. For a few days to a week, my auntie was afraid to tell anyone about it as she doesn't want bad things to happen to her loved ones. But she couldn't hold her breath in the end & she finally told my mum about it. My mum laughed & said it's a scam! Thank God for protecting these 2 oldies! 😅😅

[@kennethvenezia4400]

Yes, I can see how that wouldn't work on just anybody, definitely only on a small targeted group.

[@ShrutiiBaranwal]

I can feel her pain because last year theft happened in my home and theives took all the gold , silver jewelries my mom had that was more than 30 years old 😢. They took all the cash that was kept at home. Police didn't do anything. We all are still traumatized 😔. We feel vulnerable. I really bad for my mother she is left with nothing.

[@gonfreecss5105]

Growing up and having seen what i've seen, ghosts, spirits, evil mojo and all that bs doesn't faze me one bit anymore, if i saw someone dressed up acting like one coming at me, they would either be put to sleep or be sent to another world. Being poor is the only thing that scares me now; the things people would do for money when they have none or very little is a scary thing.

[@SomethingYouSee]

Crazy!! Thanks for keeping us updated

[@virginiawai8485]

I don’t think it is spiritual thing , that’s an excuse. It’s the control/ being useful thing. These scammers know that.

[@user-pb1rz4xu3x]

May all these con men/women and scammers be caught and received their punishments!

[@242Shaira]

This happened in Kenya

[@CarlitoGio]

This is endemic in South America. Very scary

[@vice.nor.virtue]

Man I can't even finish this. Someone scamming your spiritual beliefs is so low, but hey there is no bottom to human depravity. If I was this woman I don't think I could appear on this show, I would be too embarrassed. But hey with all the valuable she had taken from her, maybe its empowering to put a price on her shame.

[@MsRubyet]

Do you mean she got paid? It’s the BBC, they don’t do chequebook journalism

[@oakvillemall]

This has been a normal part of everyday life for most of history, throughout much of the world, especially the Middle East, South Asia, the US Deep South, Appalachia, China, Russia.

[@lin90210]

she is spreading awareness so that others do not fall victim. Maybe the culprits can be caught.

[@debbydebby4544]

In Indonesia, it is called "gendam". Even though people who have strong religion can be affected by this, it is a kind of black magic. But I don't know whether it is the same as what happened in this video or not, but this kind of thing isn't rare in Asia. She is not stupid or what. She was under influence. So it can be said that she was "unconsciously" did what the criminal asked her to do.

[@hiennguyen-tt7fp]

I hope they’ll soon find the scammers!

[@fatimahpurwitasariharahap4551]

The government and the police should be concerned about these criminals. It's really dangerous.

[@SarbbottamBandyopadhyay]

Similar scam is happening in Bangladesh too.

[@HungTran-v6t8z]

Wow, what kind of a world we are living in ? Such a shocked 😲

[@thinkie12]

The same thing happened to me, but I was in a hurry to get home and I didn't have any valuables with me at that time. They asked me if there is anyone in my house. I said yes and they were hesitant to go with me to my house. It is not a breath drug or whatever. This happened to in Asia also. Where would these housewives get this drug. It is not drug at all. They scared you by saying that this lady knows how to look at people's fortune or face, and said you have been under a curse and in three days something bad will happen to you. You could die, and they just played on people's fear. Those scripts they have rehearsed many times before targetting someone.

[@waimingmak]

I think the drug will have played a part. They would have sprayed you then tapped you on the shoulder or have gotten you to inhale the substance by asking you to blow hard into something in their hand

[@nicnik9394]

Happened to my mum multiple times near Leicester square. Its well known amongst her friends its a scam. She swears at them and just runs off. It has been well over a year the first time i heard of this from her

[@lindaMinister]

Oh my god!! My aunt was a victim. They took my aunt to an ATM machine. Good thing the daily withdrawal limit was $1000. All her jewelry were taken by them.

[@Bess1201]

respect to the first lady for speaking out like that. It's easy to say it could never happen to you, and ye it can if the perpetrators can locate your specific fears and resulting weaknesses in such moment.

[@bistander]

Would love some Chinese subtitles on these videos that aim to warn the Chinese diaspora

[@jierickng1076]

This is happening in many countries; it's definitely a syndicate at work. It happened to my friend when he was in Manila. A group of people were incredibly friendly and even treated him to drinks and a meal at a bar, but that’s where they drugged him. Afterwards, he became highly suggestible and was manipulated into withdrawing money from an ATM. The next day, he woke up in his hotel room with no recollection of what had happened or what he had done. Authority should look into this!

[@KatZPlayLife]

Can BBC do this for the Indonesian one. Scammers disguising as "orang pintar"...

[@Jess-h2h4w]

LOL i said the same thing 😂

[@davewordsworth1251]

Anyone can be a victim of scams and frauds. Sadly, I have been a victim about 5 times. This is not solely, but attributed to my aspergers.

[@trekon2023]

I feel like these senior citizens wouldn't be so vulnerable if they saw their adult children more often. If you see them daily you would eventually meet these scammer/ friends and help them with judgement. Loneliness is common in senior citizens, leaving them emotionally vulnerable to scammers who pretend to be their friends and manipulate them once they become the only daily face that they see.

[@DV-zv4ox]

I completely disagree. The parents should never *ever* expect their children to come to their aid for this sort of thing. If anything, it's the parents that should be helping the children avoid such situations. This is very flawed logic.

[@trekon2023]

@@DV-zv4ox I disagree with the notion that you don't owe good parents your attention and care during their most vulnerable years when dementia, osteoporosis, and cancer are most likely to set in, when they are unable to keep up with technology, when they may lose their eyesight or hearing and be unable to drive. Is a phone call to check-in too much to see how they are doing? I'm ok if they were neglectful or abusive. But if they were decent, I don't think it's a one way parasitic relationship where they give you the best years of their youth and you don't even call when they need you most.

[@trekon2023]

@@DV-zv4ox Wait, are you talking about 7 year old children? Did you watch this documentary at all?

[@elenacipollone3799]

In Italy they scam granpas and granmas with a slightly different, but similar scam: they ring a phone call, claiming that one of their family member had an accident and either caught in a fight with their victim for having destroyed their car, or arrested by the police, needing a large sum of cash to pay off their victim or the attorney's bill. They keep the old person engaged on the phone, so that granpas are not able to double check. Then they ring the door bell to collect the cash, and disappear. I have to say that most old people in Italy: 1) are richer than young people, because retirement monthly pays are higher than a current working person's monthly salary, which usually depletes in one month to pay the bills and young ones have zero savings. 2) they don't trust banks; at least, they don't trust banks at 100%, so they tend to spare a certain % of their savings as cash at home.

[@edgarvoneverec2544]

While I do feel for those scammed, I can't help but be amazed how these people could fall for such clumsy scams.

[@se7enzee444]

Wait until you are old. You might fall for the simplest scam.

[@edgarvoneverec2544]

@@se7enzee444 if i get Alzheimer maybe, my parents are 80+ years old and encountered countless scam attempts, never fell for any.

[@edgarvoneverec2544]

@@se7enzee444 On second thought, probably because these people are too trusting, I grew up in a country where scams are so frequent thus people are more or less "trained" to deal with them, my parents are 80+, encountered probably 100ish attempts and never fell for any.

[@edgarvoneverec2544]

@@se7enzee444 even now on a daily basis I encounter 3-4 attempts.

[@edgarvoneverec2544]

​@@se7enzee444 don't know why youtube keeps deleting my reply, anyhow long story short, i think they are too trusting, whereas the country i grew up in are drowned in everyday scams so people are more or less immune to them, my parents who are 80+ never fell for one.

[@delphinidin]

I've seen videos about similar sorts of scams, and it really doesn't require the target to be drugged. Psychology is crazy, man.

[@Jess-h2h4w]

Thanks Mungnee, Tuyet, Elaine, BBC and team for spreading this awareness. Please tell the BBC team in Indonesia too. I think it's already happen but not so much news about this.

[@immcguyver07]

WOW! This is a ridiculous scam.

[@virginiawai8485]

Ridiculous this may seems, but it is as old as time in Chinese history.

[@immcguyver07]

@virginiawai8485 Wow! I hope both western and Chinese media can get people to understand it is a scam and tell these scammers NO, NO, AND NO!

[@ahse479]

If they use any drugs it's not ridiculous at all.