A woman claiming to be a psychic scammed another woman out of $77,000, according to Rockville, Maryland, police.
Shanice Bell, aka Psychic Gina and Erica Ufie, told the 53-year-old victim a curse had been placed on her at birth and harm would come to her unless the victim gave her cash and gift cards to perform a spiritual cleanse, police said.
The victim was a highly educated and successful woman, police said.
"She was going through a difficult time in her life," Detective Jeff Saleik said. "She sought out spiritual work, and this woman was very good at what she did."
After six months, Bell, 35, went to New York, police said.
When the victim caught on, she called private investigator Bob Nygaard, who tracked Bell down at a psychic shop in Queens. New York Police officers arrested her last week.
Anyone else who believes they are a victim should call police at 240-314-8938.
