Fortune Teller Faces Charges for Alleged $87,000 Scam
Jail might be on the horizon for a fortune teller in Manhattan with a questionable past. She’s accused of scamming her own mother, a 43-year-old hotel cleaner, out of $87,000.
Pamela Uffi, 28, was taken into custody near Bryant Park on Thursday evening, facing one count of grand theft and two counts of fraudulent charges, as detailed in court documents.
Bob Neegard, a private investigator and former NYPD officer, informed local law enforcement about Uffi’s actions. He described her as a “Crystal Ball fraudster,” claiming this scam began in 2023, and mentioned that this marks the fourth time he has had to involve the police regarding her.
“She preys on vulnerable individuals,” Neegard told the Post on Sunday. “It’s really unfortunate.”
Neegard explained that this case fits a common profile for fortune-telling scams. The victim was approached in Times Square on April 11, 2023, after work, by Uffi, who claimed to sense “darkness” within her. Initially, the victim handed over $100, but soon Uffi insisted that she needed to conduct more “studies.”
According to investigators, Uffi convinced the victim that failing to help her lift a “generational curse” would result in her son’s death.
“Uffi went so far as to state that she and her son would die if the victim didn’t assist in lifting the curse,” mentioned Neegard, who is from Nassau County.
The suspect claimed that the only way to dispel this supposed curse was through financial contribution, suggesting that giving money was necessary to cleanse it and return peace.
Unfortunately, the promised money never materialized, and the victim had surrendered hard-earned savings in hopes of buying a home for her family.
This deception persisted until October 26, 2023, as noted by Neegard. During her arrest, Uffi pleaded not guilty and has not responded to requests for comments.
“She is presumed innocent, and all evidence will be presented in court,” her attorney stated.
Neegard has had to travel from Florida to assist local police in taking action against Uffi. A retired officer identified a fraudulent fortune teller near Bryant Park, concluding an investigation that spanned over two years.
Neegard recounted his involvement in all four cases related to Uffi, including earlier instances long before the mother became a victim, which involved similar allegations.
According to police sources, Uffi has faced multiple legal issues in 2023, including arrests for grand theft in previous years.
Neegard specializes in these specific types of scams, collaborating with federal agencies and police in twelve states to aid victims in recovering around $12 million.
He frequently encounters law enforcement that views spiritual fraud as a civil matter, rather than a criminal offense. “People think it’s simply civil, but it’s criminal,” he said.
In New York, practicing “occult power” is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, which can lead to a maximum of 90 days in jail, a relatively rare statute according to Neegard.
He expressed concern that law enforcement often blames victims instead of recognizing that anyone can fall prey to mental fraud during vulnerable phases in their lives.
“I’ve met individuals from all walks of life who have been taken advantage of,” he remarked. “It isn’t about education or intelligence. When people are in tough situations, they can become victims just like anyone else.”
