British Ex-Pat in Sydney Charged Over Alleged Psychic Fraud Syndicate

Images: NSW Police

By Jon Donnis

A British ex-pat living in Sydney has been charged with fraud after allegedly being part of a crime syndicate claiming to offer psychic services. Tina Montana, 47, was arrested on Wednesday morning when police executed a search warrant at a home on Punchbowl Road, Punchbowl. After her arrest, she was taken to Campsie Police Station, where she was charged with multiple serious offences, including identity theft, money laundering, fraud, participating in an organised crime group, and hindering the discovery of evidence. She was refused bail and appeared in Bankstown Local Court later that day.

Police allege that Montana was part of a syndicate that had been operating in Sydney as far back as 2006, using psychic claims to lure victims into handing over large sums of money and valuable property. Strike Force Recycling, established in July to investigate the frauds, found that at least four victims had been defrauded over the years. Two others, a 48-year-old woman and a 49-year-old man, were arrested in August and charged with related offences. Police believe they were closely connected to Montana, and both remain before the courts.

Detective Inspector Craig Brooks explained how the alleged scam worked. The group posed as psychics to gain the trust of vulnerable individuals, offering mystical insights and promises of help in exchange for money or property. Items such as tarot cards and crystal balls, commonly associated with psychic practices, were seized during the search of the Punchbowl property. Inspector Brooks described the group's actions as manipulative and deceitful, taking advantage of people's trust and desperation for personal gain.

The tools of the alleged fraud, tarot cards, crystal balls, and similar items, have deep historical roots. Tarot cards, for instance, originated in 15th-century Europe as a card game before being adopted by scammers for fortune-telling in the 18th century. Today, they are often used in readings to interpret life events and falsely predict future outcomes. Crystal balls, meanwhile, are linked to the practice of scrying, an ancient method of looking into reflective surfaces to divine so called "hidden knowledge". While many regard these tools as harmless entertainment or personal spiritual practices, they are often used in scams targeting those seeking answers or solace.

Scamwatch data reveals that psychic and clairvoyant scams are alarmingly common in Australia, with 105 reports this year alone, 25 of which were in New South Wales. Scammers frequently prey on vulnerable individuals by offering false hope, spiritual guidance, or solutions to personal problems, only to exploit them financially. Detective Inspector Brooks strongly advised against giving money to anyone claiming psychic abilities, emphasising that these schemes often rely on emotional manipulation to succeed.

Police suspect that other members of the syndicate may still be active. They are urging anyone with information or anyone who believes they may have fallen victim to contact Crime Stoppers.

This case serves as a reminder to stay vigilant when dealing with anyone offering mystical or spiritual services in exchange for money. While the allure of insight into the unknown can be tempting, it's important to question these claims and protect yourself from potential scams. Share this warning with friends and family to help prevent others from becoming victims of similar fraudulent schemes.

The Art of Illusion: How Spiritual Scammers Manipulate Perception of Vital Signs

By Jon Donnis

In the world of spiritual healing and alternative medicine, extraordinary claims abound, including the ability to slow or stop one's pulse. Often showcased by charismatic figures, these claims can be compelling and mystifying. This article explores the known methods, particularly the technique of concealing an object under the armpit, that spiritual scammers might use to create the illusion of a stopped pulse. It will also discuss the psychological mechanisms at play and the broader implications of such deceptions.

Understanding the Pulse

The pulse is a reflection of the heart's rhythm, typically measured at the wrist or neck, with an average resting heart rate for adults ranging from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Manipulating the perception of one's pulse can create a powerful illusion, leading observers to believe they are witnessing something extraordinary.

The Concealment Trick

Concealing an Object Under the Armpit

One of the simplest and most effective methods to create the illusion of a stopped pulse is to conceal an object, such as a small ball, under the armpit. Here is how this method works:

1. Object Placement: The performer can place a small, soft ball or similar object under their armpit. When pressed against the body, this object can be used to create the illusion of physical manipulation of the pulse.
2. Pressure Application: By squeezing the ball and pressing the arm against the body, the performer can restrict blood flow to the wrist. This can effectively dampen or completely obscure the pulse, making it undetectable to observers.
3. Audience Focus: The performer directs the audience's attention to their wrist while the actual trick takes place out of sight. By using misdirection, the performer ensures that the audience does not notice the concealed object or the mechanics of the trick.

The Role of Misdirection

The success of this trick relies heavily on psychological manipulation, particularly through misdirection:

• Expectation: When the audience believes they are witnessing a miraculous event, they are less likely to question how it is achieved. The performer's presentation often plays into this expectation, creating an atmosphere of wonder.
• Theatrical Presentation: The context in which the trick is performed is often enhanced by dramatic storytelling or engaging performance styles. This captivating presentation can lead the audience to accept the reality being presented without skepticism.

The Broader Implications of Spiritual Scams

The ability to manipulate perceptions of vital signs through tricks like the concealed object technique carries significant implications:

1. Exploitation of Vulnerability

Individuals seeking spiritual guidance or healing are often in vulnerable positions, grappling with personal or health issues. Scammers exploit this vulnerability by presenting themselves as gifted individuals capable of miraculous feats. Victims may be more inclined to trust and invest in these scammers' services, often at great financial cost.

2. Perpetuation of Misinformation

By claiming to possess abilities that contradict established scientific understanding, spiritual scammers contribute to the spread of misinformation regarding health and wellness. This can lead individuals to forgo legitimate medical treatment in favor of unproven alternatives.

3. Erosion of Trust

As more individuals fall victim to these scams, public trust in genuine practitioners of alternative medicine or spiritual guidance can diminish. This creates a chilling effect for those genuinely seeking help, as they may be dissuaded by the stigma surrounding fraudulent practices.

The trick of concealing an object under the armpit to create the illusion of a stopped pulse is a powerful example of how deception can be used in spiritual contexts. Understanding the mechanics behind this illusion empowers individuals to remain skeptical and cautious when confronted with extraordinary claims. Awareness of such tactics can help protect potential victims from exploitation and promote informed decision-making regarding their health and well-being. In a world filled with misinformation, education and critical thinking are essential tools for discerning the authentic from the illusory.

Fortune Teller Scandal: The €61 Million Caritas Fraud

Caritas Luxembourg HQ

Image: Google Streetview

By Jon Donnis

In a tale that seems plucked from the pages of a crime novel, it appears a fortune teller with alleged ties to an organised crime gang in Bulgaria may have been involved in an audacious theft of €61 million from Caritas Luxembourg, a charity known for helping the most vulnerable. This astonishing case highlights not only the vulnerabilities within organisations, but also the alarming ways criminals exploit personal and professional weaknesses, using seemingly benign connections like fortune tellers to execute complex fraud.

The former chief financial officer (CFO) of Caritas, who remains under investigation, is said to have confided her personal and work-related struggles to a clairvoyant she found online. The psychic, reportedly based in Belgium but operating through a website headquartered in Spain, became her sounding board for her anxieties. As the CFO shared details about her family life, mental state, and the internal workings of Caritas, she unknowingly set the stage for a major fraud.

How Did It All Happen?

According to reports, the fortune teller passed on sensitive information to a Bulgarian organised crime gang, who allegedly capitalised on the CFO's psychological vulnerabilities and the charity's governance weaknesses. The fraudsters, posing as Caritas CEO Marc Crochet, orchestrated a fake investment plan and siphoned off €61 million over five months.

The Luxembourg public prosecutor's office has been investigating this high-profile fraud since the summer. It has yet to officially confirm the full extent of the psychic's involvement but has acknowledged the possibility of a 'fraud against the president' scam. What is clear is that the criminals were sophisticated in their approach, making over 8,200 rapid-fire transactions to accounts scattered across multiple countries. So far, funds have been traced to places as far-flung as China, Hong Kong, and Lithuania, but recovering the stolen money is proving difficult.

What Makes This Case Unusual?

The involvement of a fortune teller raises several red flags about the increasing use of psychological manipulation in fraud. It seems surreal, how could a charity CFO, a person in a position of such responsibility, end up divulging intimate organisational secrets to a psychic? But this case is a stark reminder that no one is immune to personal distress and that stress, particularly combined with the belief in supernatural guidance, can lead to poor judgement.

Many people turn to fortune tellers for comfort or guidance during stressful times, and there's always the risk of encountering someone who will try to scam you for large amounts of money. Fraudsters like this clairvoyant prey on people in vulnerable states, using their trust to extract information that can be exploited in criminal schemes. The fact that this specific fortune teller had ties to organised crime should make anyone think twice before oversharing with someone who claims to see into the future.

Lessons from the Scandal

1. Psychological manipulation is real – Criminals know how to exploit psychological weaknesses, and the rise of internet-based services like online psychics or clairvoyants creates easy access points for such manipulation.
2. Confidentiality is crucial – It's vital to keep professional secrets just that, secret. Discussing internal matters with an untrusted source, no matter how benign they seem, can lead to disastrous consequences.
3. Internal governance matters – Caritas' case illustrates the importance of having robust organisational controls. The criminals didn't just exploit the CFO's personal fragility, they took advantage of governance lapses, allowing them to make thousands of transactions undetected.
4. Watch out for red flags – While everyone likes to trust their advisors, especially during emotional times, if something feels off about someone's behaviour or requests, it's worth stepping back. In this case, the clairvoyant wasn't offering guidance out of the kindness of their heart, they were actively betraying their client's trust for criminal gain.

The Bigger Picture

While the theft itself is shocking, the method used, leveraging a fortune teller, adds a bizarre twist. In times of stress, people often look for comfort, and services like fortune telling can offer a sense of control. However, it's a prime example of how dangerous it is to share too much with someone you don't truly know or trust. Criminals often exploit these relationships, feeding off insecurities, and using any information they can extract for their gain.

This case serves as a reminder that, in any situation where personal or professional details are being shared, it's essential to be cautious. After all, a scam is often only successful when the scammer has the trust of their victim.

A Word of Caution

Even if you don't consult fortune tellers, this case is a wake-up call about personal security. Fraudsters, whether they use tarot cards or tech tricks, are always on the lookout for vulnerable people. Online relationships, even with professionals, can be far more complicated than they appear. Trust is hard-earned, and giving away too much, especially to someone met over the internet, can have devastating consequences.

As investigators continue to piece together the details of this outrageous scam, the lesson is clear: fortune tellers may not be able to predict the future, but they can certainly wreak havoc in the present if they fall into the wrong hands.

The Ouija Board: From Parlour Game to Spiritual Conduit?

By Jon Donnis

The Ouija board has an interesting history that many people misunderstand. While it's often seen as a tool for contacting spirits, its roots are much more ordinary. What began as a simple board game gradually turned into something associated with the paranormal, with some claiming it connects to the spirit world. This article looks at the story behind the Ouija board, from its creation to its current place in pop culture, and explores the science behind why it seems to work.

From a Game to Something Mysterious

The Ouija board first appeared in the late 1800s, during a time when many people were fascinated with Spiritualism. This belief, which suggested the dead could communicate with the living, was especially popular in the United States and Europe. The aftermath of the Civil War and high mortality rates made many eager to find ways to connect with lost loved ones.

Before the Ouija board became what we know today, mediums were using talking boards during seances. These boards had letters, numbers, and yes or no options. People would use a small pointer, known as a planchette, to spell out messages they believed were from spirits. In 1890, a businessman named Elijah Bond saw an opportunity to turn this concept into a product. He patented what we now call the Ouija board, but at the time, it was marketed as a fun game with no real supernatural claims.

The First Ouija Board Patent

Elijah Bond and Charles Kennard, another businessman, created the Kennard Novelty Company to manufacture the first Ouija boards. The board was simple. It featured the alphabet, numbers, and yes or no options. A planchette was used to move over the surface of the board to answer questions. According to stories, the board itself gave the name "Ouija" during a session. Some believe the name came from combining the French and German words for "yes" (oui and ja). Either way, the name added some mystery.

When the first patent for the Ouija board was granted in 1891, it wasn't described as anything magical. The patent called it a toy or game. The instructions were straightforward: gather a group of people, lightly rest your fingers on the planchette, ask a question, and see where the planchette moves. It was promoted as a fun game anyone could play.

1891 Ouija Board Patent

William Fuld Changes the Game

In 1901, William Fuld, who worked for the Kennard Novelty Company, took control of the Ouija board's production. He is the person responsible for the board's shift toward mysticism. Fuld suggested that the board itself had instructed him to keep producing it. This claim, true or not, gave the Ouija board a greater sense of mystery and helped boost its popularity.

Fuld continued producing the Ouija board until his death in 1927, after which his family took over. In 1966, the Parker Brothers game company, known for games like Monopoly, purchased the rights to the Ouija board. This brought the board into the mainstream. Despite its growing reputation as something paranormal, Parker Brothers marketed it as a family game.

The Media's Role in Making the Ouija Board Scary

For decades, the Ouija board was seen as a mostly harmless game. But that changed dramatically in 1973, when the horror film The Exorcist linked the board to demonic possession. In the movie, a young girl becomes possessed after using a Ouija board. This portrayal transformed public perception of the board. Suddenly, what had been a fun toy was viewed by many as something dark and dangerous.

Since then, the Ouija board has become a fixture in horror films, books, and urban legends. People started to believe that using the board could invite spirits, or worse, demons. While the board's original purpose was purely recreational, it gained a reputation as a tool that could open doors to the unknown.

The Science Behind the Ouija Board

Although the Ouija board can feel like it's moving on its own, scientific explanations suggest otherwise. The board's movement can be explained by a psychological phenomenon called the ideomotor effect. This occurs when people move unconsciously, without realizing they are doing it. When people use the Ouija board, their subconscious minds guide the planchette, even though they think it's moving on its own.

Subtle, involuntary muscle movements drive the planchette across the board, creating the illusion that the board is spelling out answers to questions. This process can be influenced by the participants' expectations or group dynamics. The ideomotor effect explains why the board seems to produce answers even though it's actually controlled by the users.

Who Owns the Ouija Board Today?

Despite its spooky reputation, the Ouija board is still owned by a major toy company. In 1991, Hasbro acquired Parker Brothers, and with it, the rights to the Ouija board. Hasbro continues to sell the board today, especially around Halloween. While they market it as a "mystifying oracle," the company doesn't make any strong claims about its supernatural abilities.

The Modern Ouija Board

Today, the Ouija board holds a unique place in pop culture. For some, it's just a fun way to spend time with friends. For others, it's a tool that might connect them with the unknown. Despite scientific explanations, belief in the board's paranormal power persists, especially among those interested in ghosts or the occult.

The Ouija board continues to appear in movies, TV shows, and even video games. It's often depicted as a dangerous tool, which keeps its reputation alive as something to approach with caution. Whether people see it as a game or something more serious, the Ouija board's history shows that its evolution from a toy to a cultural icon is far from simple.

Conclusion

The Ouija board is a mix of history, psychology, and cultural intrigue. What began as a game has turned into something with a much deeper meaning for some people. While science can explain its workings, belief in the board's powers remains strong. Whether it's just a fun pastime or a gateway to the unknown, the Ouija board continues to fascinate and mystify people around the world.

UPDATE:

The Uninvited (1944)

The earliest known usage of a Ouija board in a movie is in "The Uninvited" (1944). This classic ghost story, directed by Lewis Allen, features a scene where the characters use a Ouija board to communicate with a restless spirit haunting their new house. In this scene, the board reveals the name "Carmel," which plays a significant role in uncovering the ghost's identity and the dark history of the house.

"The Uninvited" marked one of the first instances of the Ouija board being used as a supernatural communication device in cinema, setting the stage for how it would be portrayed in later horror films.

Protecting Our Elders: Understanding and Preventing the Blessing Scam

By Jon Donnis

The Blessing Scam is a cruel form of fraud that preys on the fears and cultural beliefs of elderly individuals, particularly those in the Chinese community. By exploiting deep-rooted superstitions around curses, bad luck, and spiritual wellbeing, scammers target vulnerable people, often leaving them emotionally and financially devastated. Elderly Chinese women, who may be more likely to hold traditional beliefs about curses and the influence of fortune-tellers, are among the most frequent victims, although anyone can ultimately be a victim of this scam.

The scam usually begins with a seemingly innocent encounter in a public space. Fraudsters approach the victim and strike up a conversation, pretending to be friendly members of the community or helpful passers-by. As the conversation unfolds, they introduce a more sinister element. They may mention a fortune-teller or claim to have spiritual knowledge themselves. They warn the victim that a terrible curse or misfortune is about to befall their family. Often, this involves predicting sickness or death of a loved one unless immediate action is taken.

These con artists are highly skilled at manipulating their targets' emotions, using fear to coerce them into taking drastic steps. They may suggest that a ritual or blessing is needed to remove the curse and protect the family from impending disaster. This ritual, of course, comes at a cost. Victims are often asked to bring valuable items like cash, jewellery, or other precious belongings to be "blessed" or cleansed of evil. The fraudsters typically perform a fake ceremony in which the valuables are placed into a bag or envelope. In many cases, the victim is told not to open the package for a period of time, allowing the criminals to make a quick escape with the items before the scam is discovered.

It is heart-breaking that these scams often work because they play on the victim's desire to protect their family. The psychological pressure is immense, and the perpetrators are experts at making the scam seem urgent and real. This makes it difficult for the elderly to recognise that they are being manipulated, particularly if they are isolated from family members who might otherwise help them assess the situation rationally.

To protect elderly relatives from falling victim to this type of fraud, education is key. Start by having open discussions with them about the existence of scams like this. It is important to stress that there are no legitimate fortune-tellers or healers and only a scammer would approach someone on the street with dire warnings. Explain how scammers use fear to push people into making impulsive decisions and that they should always be cautious of anyone who tries to frighten them into handing over money or valuables. Encourage them to trust their instincts and to walk away from anyone who tries to pressure them into taking immediate action.

Another crucial step is fostering strong communication within the family. Encourage elderly relatives to talk to you or another trusted family member before making any decisions involving their money or valuables, especially if a stranger has approached them with warnings or advice. Let them know that there is no shame in being cautious, and it's always better to be safe than sorry. By normalising these conversations, you can make it easier for them to reach out if they find themselves in a potentially dangerous situation.

As well as talking to elderly relatives, ensure they are aware of the authorities they can contact if they feel unsure or unsafe. Local police or community centres may offer support for elderly people who have been targeted or feel at risk. Remind them that it's okay to be suspicious and that genuine individuals with their best interests at heart will never rush them into making decisions about their belongings.

If an elderly relative has already fallen victim to a scam, it's important to report the incident as soon as possible. Fraudsters often target the same people more than once if they believe they can continue exploiting them. In some cases, the scammers may follow up with further claims, stating that the initial blessing didn't work and that more rituals or money is needed. Immediate action can prevent further losses and may help the authorities in their investigations.

Empowering the elderly with knowledge and support is the best defence against the Blessing Scam. By being vigilant, discussing the tactics fraudsters use, and providing a safety net of communication and reassurance, we can help protect vulnerable individuals from falling prey to this heartless scheme.