Assemblyman Warns of Scam Targeting Chinese Constituents

Scammers hawking bogus "spirit-cleansing" rituals that "will ward off bad luck" have been targeting Chinese communities in the San Gabriel Valley, officials say. 

Flanked by law enforcement and representatives from the National Chinese Welfare Council of Los Angeles, Assemblymember Ed Chau (D-Alhambra) held a press conference Friday warning his constituents to remain wary of such scams.

The scammers, he said, have directed the bulk of their efforts towards the elderly.

“Stories about scams that prey on elderly and other vulnerable adults are seemingly endless and all too familiar to law enforcement,” Chau said. "As we approach the Lunar New Year, it is important that we are aware of these scams and notify law enforcement so that these perpetrators are brought to justice.”