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Two individuals, Gina Marie Marks, 52, and Steve Nicklas, 40, were arrested in Pennsylvania for allegedly running a "fortune telling scheme" that defrauded two victims of over $600,000. The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office announced their arrest on Tuesday (October 7), charging them with multiple felonies, including involvement with corrupt organizations, theft by deception, and fortunetelling.
The scheme involved convincing victims that they were under a curse that could only be lifted through costly rituals. Marks and Nicklas allegedly told one victim that the curse would ruin her marriage, business, and family unless removed. From September 2022 to August 2023, they reportedly extracted $595,959 from her through demands for money and luxury items, including jewelry and concert tickets, claiming these were necessary for the ritual.
The second victim was approached in June 2023, and Marks allegedly demanded personal photos and items, including a Chanel purse, threatening reputational damage if her requests were not met. This victim lost $18,000 to the scheme.
Montgomery County officials confirmed that financial records from Cash App, Zelle, and a credit union showed the victims' funds were transferred to accounts belonging to Marks and Nicklas. Both suspects have been arraigned and released on bail. They are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on October 20. Marks has not yet secured legal representation, while an attorney for Nicklas has not commented on the case.