World of the Bizarre

Pennsylvania 'fortune tellers' steal $600,000 in 'curse cleansing' scam

By T.K. Randall
October 18, 2025

Image: AI-generated (Midjourney) In one scheme, the two self-professed 'fortune tellers' informed one of their victims that she had been marked with a curse that was stopping her from finding love and happiness and that would eventually go on to destroy her business and family.

To 'cleanse' her of this affliction, the two crooks repeatedly demanded that she provide money, valuables, gift cards, clothing and many other things, preying on her fear of the non-existent curse to get her to keep up with their demands.

In the end, they stole $595,959 - money that has yet to be returned to the victim.A second scheme also saw the pair extort $18,000 out of another victim by demanding that they provide personal information and photographs for the purposes of conducting a 'ritual'.

"[The accused] were arrested Oct. 7, 2025, and charged with multiple felonies including Corrupt Organizations, Dealing in the Proceeds of Unlawful Activities, Theft by Unlawful Taking, Theft by Deception and Receiving Stolen Property, as well as Fortune Telling," a police statement reads.

A preliminary hearing will take place on October 20th.

Source: Independent

Tags: Psychic, Curse