Con Artists Accused of Exploiting Victims with Psychic Schemes
Authorities are investigating two alleged con artists who reportedly deceived individuals into surrendering their personal belongings, including luxury items, and even blackmailed some under the pretense of battling “black magic.”
Gina Marks, 52, and Steve Nicklaus, 40, both hailing from the Philadelphia area, stand accused of collaborating to exploit vulnerable individuals, amassing over $600,000 between 2022 and 2024, as noted in a press release from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.
District Attorney Kevin Steele stated, “These defendants took advantage of those seeking assistance and hope, exploiting them for financial gain. They will face accountability for their actions.”
The troubling experiences of these victims began in 2022 when someone contacted Jenkintown Psychic Visions for a reading. The perpetrators swiftly claimed the individual was under a “powerful curse” obstructing her happiness.
As detailed in the release, the suspects convinced the victim that unless she broke the curse, her marriage, career, and family would be in jeopardy.
Over the next year, several victims paid for services and relinquished various valuables—like jewelry, cash, clothing, and concert tickets—believing they needed to “cleanse” themselves of the curse.
The suspects asserted that they required these valuables to perform a ritual to lift the curse, yet the belongings were never returned.
After a year of consultations, the victim eventually ceased attending sessions, having already handed over approximately $595,959, the release mentioned.
Simultaneously, another client grew concerned as Marks continued to request increasingly personal images for a supposed “ritual to help her.” The press release indicated that Marks intensified her approach from June 2023 to February 2024, threatening “reputational damage and personal repercussions” unless the victim provided her Chanel wallet and more money.
Prosecutors believe Marks extracted $18,000 from this second victim.
The duo was arrested on Tuesday, facing various felonies, including participation in a corrupt organization, profiting from illegal activities, and fortune-telling.
The arraignment occurred on Tuesday, with both being released on bond, scheduled to appear in court on October 20 for a preliminary hearing.
This isn’t Marks’ first encounter with the law. In 2018, she was sentenced to six years in prison for a similar scheme that defrauded women out of over $80,000 by claiming to need more money to cast love spells on their partners.
Marks even attempted to flee the country but was apprehended at Miami International Airport. Previously, she insisted on being a legitimate psychic offering genuine services.
In her defense, she commented, “People are racist against Gypsies. They’re prejudiced against my culture. We possess power, yet we’re not allowed to speak about it.”
