“It’s their own culture they have inside knowledge of … they capitalise on the vulnerabilities of that community around superstition”, Magee said.

A woman has been charged over allegedly targeting people with a blessings scam in Parramatta, Sydney. Source: Getty / imamember/Getty Images

Police allege a 63-year-old woman, who they claim had flown into Australia from China with the intent to scam more people, attempted to defraud a 77-year-old woman of jewellery and money.

More than 50 people are believed to be involved in the scam and 11 arrest warrants have been issued.

What are spiritual blessing scams?

Earlier this year Victorian police said scammers had stolen $200,000 from elderly victims in the Box Hill area through spiritual blessing scams.

‘Isolated, vulnerable’ victims

“Most of them are very isolated and face language barriers in Australia. In Chinese culture these women handle the family’s savings and they are targeted because scammers know they will have cash saved at home.”

Lu said victims are often very embarrassed and feel that shame has been brought on their whole family, and can find it difficult to seek help or speak to police.

How to avoid blessing scams