A 77-year-old retiree was defrauded of more than S$44,000 after three Chinese women tricked her by claiming they could lift a supernatural curse. The incident, which took place near Block 815 Jurong East Street 24, is a stark reminder of the ongoing scams targeting vulnerable seniors in Singapore.
The main accused, 56-year-old Li Yulian, admitted to one count of cheating during court proceedings on 18 July 2025. Authorities revealed the fraud involved a sophisticated scheme exploiting superstition and trust.
How the Scam Unfolded
On the morning of 16 November 2019, the victim was approached by one of the suspects, Liang Guilian, near her home. Liang asked if she knew about a 90-year-old traditional doctor in the area. When the victim replied no, Li Yulian joined the conversation, claiming acquaintance with the said doctor.
Li then impressed the victim by accurately naming her three sons and one daughter, building credibility. She went on to allege that the woman had been cursed with a “jiangtou” (降头), a supernatural affliction, and insisted the doctor could remove it – but only if the victim brought a large sum of money, and came in an even-numbered group, reported Shin Min Daily News
The Theft and Deception
Trusting the women, the elderly victim went home to gather S$8,000 in cash, some gold jewellery, and her bankbook. Li accompanied her to a bank near Bukit Timah MRT station, where the victim withdrew an additional S$36,000. The trio then regrouped at Block 815 Jurong East Street 24.
There, another suspect, Zhu Mianfang, who claimed to be the doctor’s granddaughter, told the victim the curse had been lifted. Zhu instructed her to place all valuables into a brown reusable bag and handed over an identical bag, telling her not to open it until midnight and to keep the matter secret.
The Aftermath and Warning
Later at home, when the victim told her family about the curse, her daughter opened the bag, only to discover it contained plastic bags and drinks instead of the cash and jewellery. The stolen items included S$44,000 in cash, three gold bracelets, two gold rings, two pairs of gold earrings, a Rolex watch, and a bracelet valued at about S$350.
This incident highlights a growing trend of scams that prey on elderly victims by manipulating cultural beliefs and superstition. Singapore authorities have consistently urged seniors to remain cautious and verify claims before handing over money or valuables.
The accused has admitted to the charge and is currently facing legal proceedings. This case serves as a cautionary tale for families and the community to remain vigilant against fraud, especially schemes targeting the elderly through spiritual or supernatural claims.
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