Woman loses $150,000 in alleged ‘prayer scam’ involving blessing ritual during lunch break in Darling Harbour
A 47-year-old woman was on her lunch break in Darling Harbour, in Sydney’s centre, when she was approached by a young man claiming to be a “spiritual guide” and the pair struck up a conversation on January 9.
“During the conversation, the man offered to perform a blessing on the woman to ease various life concerns,” NSW Police said.
But the offer was far from a blessing — the Sydney woman would lose $150,000 worth of jewellery during an elaborate “ceremony,” police allege.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The 47-year-old met with the man in the weeks that followed their initial encounter.
The “spiritual guide” asked the woman to bring along her jewellery “as part of the blessing ritual,” NSW Police allege.
“During the ceremony, the man allegedly placed a weighted coconut onto the jewellery.
“While she held his gaze, the man allegedly replaced the valuables with empty boxes and other items.”
When the 47-year-old woman realised her jewellery was missing, she reported the incident to police.
A 25-year-old man was arrested near Darling Harbour about 1.45pm on Wednesday.
Police allege they found the woman’s jewellery in a hostel on Elizabeth St in Sydney.
The 25-year-old man was charged with dishonestly obtaining property by deception.
He was granted conditional bail to appear at Blacktown Local Court on Monday, February 10.
Originally published on 7NEWS
