Recently, the NYPD issued a warning to the Chinese community in Sunset Park, particularly targeting elderly women, about the rise in scams orchestrated by a group known as the “Fortune-Offering Gang.” In different time frames and neighborhoods, the tactics used by scammers continue to evolve, creating an ongoing concern for residents.
The 72nd Precinct, which covers the heavily populated Chinese neighborhood in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park, released an announcement urging residents to be cautious of these scammers. According to police, the gang consists of Mandarin and Cantonese-speaking women, typically in their 30s to 40s. They often work in small groups and deceive individuals by claiming they can perform rituals to ward off misfortune and protect their families. The police reported that many Chinese women, particularly the elderly, have fallen victim to this deceit, losing money and jewelry in the process.
Authorities emphasize the importance of not trusting anyone who claims they can magically solve problems or alleviate misfortunes. Residents are advised to never hand over their belongings to strangers. Furthermore, should anyone experience similar incidents, they are encouraged to discuss them with family members and report any scams to the police immediately.
In a related alert, the 120th Precinct, which serves the northern areas of Staten Island with a significant Chinese population, recently warned residents about “donation scams.” Officers advised vigilance if approached on the street by individuals soliciting donations for various organizations, sports teams, schools, or charitable events. Scammers often request payments through apps like Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App, and may ask for the donor’s phone number when entering their information. While the would-be donors are distracted, the fraudsters could swiftly transfer large sums of money from their bank accounts into their own.
The police urge potential donors to never share their phone numbers with strangers, to set transfer limits when using financial apps, and to promptly call 911 if they suspect they have been scammed.
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