Two Suspects Charged in $600K Fortune-Telling Scam in Montgomery County Pennsylvania
Title: Fortune-Telling Scam Unveiled: Over $600,000 Defrauded from Victims in Montgomery County
In a shocking revelation in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, two individuals have been apprehended for orchestrating an elaborate fortune-telling scheme that defrauded victims of over $600,000. The accused, Gina Marks, 52, of Huntingdon Valley, and Steve Nicklas, 40, of Jenkintown, are facing serious felony charges. The duo allegedly ran a deceptive operation under the guise of Jenkintown Psychic Visions, convincing victims that they were under a harmful curse.
Exploiting Vulnerability: A Deep Dive into the Scheme
According to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, the fraudulent activities began when a victim reached out to Jenkintown Psychic Visions for a psychic reading. The victim was manipulated into believing that a powerful curse threatened her personal and professional life unless removed through costly rituals.
- From September 2022 to August 2023, Marks and Nicklas allegedly demanded substantial sums of money and luxury items.
- Items included jewelry, cash, clothing, concert tickets, and gift cards.
- The victim’s personal belongings were taken for alleged rituals but never returned.
In total, the alleged amount extracted from the first victim was $595,959.
Investigation Unveils Additional Fraudulent Activity
The investigation, initiated in December 2024, uncovered a second victim who suffered a loss of at least $18,000. Marks allegedly requested personal photos and details from this victim, escalating her demands to include a Chanel purse and additional funds. She purportedly threatened reputational harm if her conditions were not met.
Financial Evidence and Legal Actions
Financial evidence collected from platforms such as Cash App, Zelle, and a credit union, confirmed that funds from both victims were deposited into accounts controlled by Marks and Nicklas. The Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele condemned the actions of the accused, stating, “These defendants, through their con scheme, preyed on people seeking help, guidance, and hope, exploiting them for financial gain. They are now going to be held accountable for their actions.”
Legal Charges and Consequences
Marks and Nicklas were arrested and charged on Tuesday with multiple offenses, including Corrupt Organizations, Dealing in the Proceeds of Unlawful Activities, Theft by Unlawful Taking, among others. The arrest sends a clear message about the consequences of exploiting vulnerable individuals for personal gain.
The case highlights the importance of vigilance against fraud and the need for potential clients to scrutinize psychic services critically. Emegypt will continue to bring updates on this developing story as more details emerge.
