A scam involving a “limpia” or “spiritual cleansing” has resulted in thefts of money and valuables from homes in Mesa, police said.

The victims primarily are members of the Hispanic community, police said.

A limpia is a religious ritual commonly practiced in the Hispanic culture, officials said in a release.

“It is used to remove one’s negative energy and replace it with good feelings, thoughts and emotions,” the release stated.

Police said incidents reported in Mesa involve suspects knocking on doors and, if someone answers, they offer a free limpia and pretend to know a family member or friend “to gain confidence and trust, so the victim allows them into their home.”

Following the limpia, suspects tell the victim they want to bless them by multiplying their money and valuables.

“They ask the victim to bring any cash or jewelry they have on hand and put it inside a clothing garment such as a shirt. While praying for the victim, one of the suspects distracts the victim while the money and valuables are concealed,” police said.

Victims then are told not to touch the garment with the money and valuables for at least an hour. Later, when the victim opens the garment, they notice their money and valuables are gone.

The Mesa Police Department has received several reports of the burglary scam and urges residents not to allow anyone into their homes that they do not know or trust.

Anyone who has been a victim or knows someone who has should call the department’s non-emergency line at 480-644-2211.