Montgomery County Fortune Tellers Arrested in Scam

Two Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, residents were arrested in New Jersey for allegedly scamming victims out of more than $600,000 through fraudulent curses and rituals, according to a report from the Montgomery County District Attorney's office.

Police arrested a female suspect, 52, of Huntingdon Valley, and a male suspect, 40, of Jenkintown. The pair was charged with multiple felonies, including conspiracy, theft, deception, and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities. They were later released on bail and are scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on Oct. 20 before Magisterial District Judge R. Emmett Madden.

The suspects ran a spiritual tarot reading business called Jenkintown Psychic Visions. According to CBS News Philadelphia, their victims were coerced into providing money, jewelry, clothing, gift cards, and concert tickets. These items were then transferred into accounts linked to the suspects, with some victims threatened with reputational harm and blackmail.

The female suspect allegedly promised clients protection from evil spirits and curses if her victims complied with her requests.

"These defendants, through their con scheme, preyed on people who were looking for help, guidance, and hope," Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele said to CBS News Philadelphia. "They are now going to be held accountable for their actions."

According to The Daily Voice of Huntingdon Valley, the female suspect has a criminal record dating back to 2009 in Florida and Maryland, while the male suspect's record from 2003 includes forgery and related charges in New York.

The male suspect's attorney, Lauren A. Wimmer, told NBC10 Philadelphia that he denied any wrongdoing and would contest the charges in court. Online court records didn't indicate an attorney who could speak on the female suspect's behalf.

Despite Pennsylvania laws banning fortune telling, these crimes often go unpunished due to victims' embarrassment and the perception that penalties are minimal. John Livingood, a former police chief who is not a part of the case against the two suspects but has investigated other fortune teller cases, told NBC10 that most of the suspects only received a "slap on the wrist."

Investigators are encouraging anyone who may have been victimized by the suspects, or who has information on the case, to contact the police.