Buddhist conned out of valuables

Published on 23/01/2013 00:00

A BUDDHIST was conned out of cash and jewellery worth thousands after handing her valuables to fraudsters to “bless” them.

The Chinese woman, aged 64, was approached in Edinburgh’s St James shopping centre on 15 January by two women offering her the chance to meet a spiritual healer. A third woman then offered to bless her family’s valuables and cash.

The victim returned home and gathered jewellery and money in a red bag. She met the women, who were also Chinese, at the corner of West Register Street.

Once the items had been blessed, the woman was told not to open the bag for a few weeks to allow the charm to take effect. A few days later, she discovered it had been swapped and her possessions were gone.

Police are appealing for information.