ON March 19, Richmond RCMP received a report of a fraud which involved three suspects performing a fake healing ritual.

The incident had taken place on March 18 between 11:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. and was reported to police after the victim told a family member about it.

According to the victim, she was approached by three Cantonese speaking individuals who convinced her they could perform a healing ritual to remove bad luck and improve her health. The suspects directed the victim to multiple locations during the course of this scam and ultimately convinced her to hand over $ 37,000 worth of valuables.

The suspects are described as:

* Asian female; 30-40 years; 4 ft 11 in; long black hair; spoke Cantonese with an accent.

* Asian female; 60 years; 5 ft 3 in; fair complexion; long black hair; spoke Cantonese with a Mandarin accent.

* Asian male; 50-60 years; 5 ft 7 in; medium complexion; brown greying hair; spoke Cantonse with a Mandarin accent; wearing a blue overcoat.

“Fortunately, the victim was not physically harmed but the face-to-face nature of this offence coupled with directing the victim to different locations makes it extremely worrisome,” says Cpl. Adriana O’Malley, Richmond RCMP Media Relations Officer, “It’s extremely important that if approached by someone claiming to have special healing powers, you should walk away, get to a safe location and then report it to police.”

Anyone who may have witnessed, or have information regarding this file, is asked to call Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 and quote file number 2025-8599. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit them online at www.solvecrime.ca.