Two fortune tellers in the US state of Pennsylvania are accused of stealing more than $600,000 from a client by claiming they could remove a curse, according to police allegations.
Gina Marie Marks, 52, and Steve Nicklas, 40, were arrested on Tuesday and face felony charges including theft by deception, receiving stolen property, and fortune telling, which is illegal in Pennsylvania. Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele said: "These defendants, through their con scheme, preyed on people who were looking for help, guidance and hope, exploiting them for financial gain. They are now going to be held accountable for their actions."
Between September 2022 and August 2023, the pair allegedly told one client she was cursed and that the spell would destroy her marriage, business, and family. They demanded money, jewellery, clothing, gift cards, and concert tickets, claiming these items would help "cleanse" her of the curse, but they were never returned. In total, the first victim is said to have lost $595,959.
In a second alleged scheme, from June 2023 to February 2024, Marks and Nicklas reportedly demanded photographs and personal details from a woman as part of a ritual, warning of reputational damage if she refused. They also demanded money and a Chanel handbag.
An attorney for one of the defendants told NBC Philadelphia: "Mr. Nicklas denies any involvement in this alleged scheme and maintains his complete innocence. We intend to challenge the accusations vigorously in court, where the facts—not assumptions or headlines—will speak for themselves. I urge the public and the media to withhold judgment and respect the presumption of innocence that every person is entitled to under the law."
The Independent has contacted Jenkintown Psychic Visions, where the alleged scams took place, for comment.
