Feb 9 • 08:07 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil G1 (PT)

Understand the 'spiritual healing' scam that made an elderly man lose R$ 150,000 in SP

A 19-year-old woman in Santos, Brazil, was indicted for defrauding a 77-year-old man out of R$ 150,000 through a fake 'spiritual healing' scheme.

In Santos, São Paulo, a young woman, aged 19, has been indicted for engaging in a fraudulent scheme that led an elderly man, 77, to lose approximately R$ 150,000. Utilizing deceptive practices, she distributed flyers claiming to offer 'spiritual healing' services, soliciting donations under the guise of assistance from alleged spiritual entities. The investigation began after the elderly individual reported his financial loss, prompting action from local law enforcement, specifically the 7th District Police Station.

During their investigation, authorities executed search warrants at her residences, where they discovered various items associated with her scam, including a pigeon and a hen reportedly intended for spiritual rituals. Additionally, agents confiscated flyers used for attracting clients, mobile phones, a card machine, and other materials pertinent to the ongoing investigation. The police characterized her methods as elaborate and manipulative, focusing on vulnerable individuals such as the elderly.

This case highlights a growing trend of similar scams exploiting belief systems for financial gain, particularly in regions where such spiritual practices may be prevalent. The incident raises concerns about the exploitation of seniors and the effectiveness of law enforcement in tackling these types of fraud, illustrating broader implications regarding consumer protection and the need for increased awareness within the community to prevent such occurrences in the future.

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