Superstitions often blur the line between belief and exploitation.
When fear meets a convincing script, even the sceptical can be swayed.
It was claimed recently that “evil spirits” were used to intimidate a housewife into parting with over RM70,000 in jewellery and cash in a scam in Sibu.
Is it true that scammers are resorting to an “evil spirit” con to trick people?
VERDICT:
TRUE
A 70-year-old housewife lost RM60,794 after falling victim to a group of women who claimed traditional rituals could ward off evil spirits.
Sibu OCPD Asst Comm Zulkipli Suhaili said the Commercial Crime Investigation Division received a report from the victim who was cheated of her savings in cash and jewellery.
The incident began when an unknown woman at the Sibu market area approached the victim on Sept 19.
“Based on her accent, the woman was believed to be of Chinese nationality and had asked the victim for directions to a traditional Chinese medicine shop,” he said in a statement on Saturday, Sept 20.
Shortly after, another woman with a similar accent appeared and asked about a location for a prayer ritual to exorcise evil spirits.
“The two suspects then lured the victim to a nearby car park, where she was ushered into a vehicle with three other women,” ACP Zulkipli said.
“Inside, the suspects told the victim that she had evil spirits that could bring misfortune to her family if not removed through a special prayer ritual,” he said.
Frightened by the warning, the victim handed over cash and jewellery worth RM60,794 as part of the so-called ritual.
After the ceremony, the suspects gave her a black plastic package and instructed her to open it only after one week.
When the victim’s son later opened the package, it contained instant noodles, one kilogram of salt and four bottles of mineral water.
Realising she had been duped, the woman lodged a police report.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
As a precaution, ACP Zulkipli advised the public not to be influenced by strangers offering traditional treatments, rituals or exorcism ceremonies in exchange for cash or valuables.
“Do not be taken in by threats or promises that play on fear and anxiety, to avoid becoming a victim of fraud,” ACP Zulkipli said.
