Galloway Psychic Charged In Scam

GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP — A local psychic and her son are facing charges of theft and conspiracy after they allegedly tricked a senior citizen into paying thousands of dollars for "treatment" to rid him of evil spirits, police said.

Sally "Kim" Wando, 49, of Galloway Township and her son, Frank T. Marco, 24, of Ventnor were arrested Aug. 25 by Galloway Township Police, 10 days after a senior citizen from Waretown, NJ reported he believe he was being scammed by the duo.

Galloway Township Police took a report on Aug. 15 from the senior citizen, who said he had been visiting a psychic he knew as “Kim” who operates Village Psychic in the Smithville section of the township. According to police, as the man met with Kim, she allegedly offered him treatments to "cleanse his soul and allow him to live in peace" at $5,000 for the first appointment.

The man apparently continued to see the psychic, who he says recommended a 14-step Chakra program for him to complete, costing $10,500 per step.

"Kim advised him that he had eight evil spirits that only she could eradicate via the 14 steps. Investigation revealed that Kim exploited information she learned about the gentleman’s unpleasant childhood in order to make him believe she could bring him relief. She also predicted further torment in this life and the afterlife if he did not complete the 14 steps," police said in a recent release.

The senior citizen agreed to the treatment and was allegedly instructed by Wando to transfer $147,700 from his checking account to her son Frank Marco’s car business, Frank’s Classic Carz in Ventnor. The man claims that Wando told him not to tell anyone about the arrangement.

Police say that during interviews Wando and Marco both denied that the payment was for psychic treatment, but rather for the purchase of a car. 

 

Wando and Marco are charged with second degree theft by deception and conspiracy to commit theft, a crime of the third degree. Both were released on summonses pending their court date.

 Anyone with additional information regarding this incident or related incidents is asked to contact Detective Kiamos at 609-652-3705, ext. 325 or provide an anonymous tip through Galloway Township Police's Facebook page or Twitter account, @gallowaypd. Tips can also be sent to Atlantic County Crime Stoppers at 609-652-1234 or 1-800-658-TIPS.

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/press/atlantic/galloway-psychic-and-her-son-charged-with-scamming-senior-citizen/article_4e8cd7b8-bc1d-52d9-b55c-542d1010503d.html#tncms-source=behavioral