Fortune Teller Accused of Scamming Hardworking Mother
A New York City fortune teller has found herself in trouble with the law, facing serious charges for allegedly scamming a single mother out of a staggering $87,000. Pamela Ufie, a 28-year-old who has a history of similar offenses, was arrested near Bryant Park on Thursday. She is now charged with grand larceny and fraudulent accosting, according to court documents.
The mother, who cleans hotel rooms to support her family, fell victim to Ufie’s dubious methods earlier this year. Private investigator Bob Nygaard, a former NYPD officer, alerted law enforcement about Ufie’s many scams. “This is the fourth time I’ve helped the police with Pamela Ufie. She targets vulnerable individuals and takes advantage of them,” Nygaard stated.
The incident began when the victim, walking through Times Square on April 11, 2023, was approached by Ufie. She claimed to see a “darkness” surrounding the mother, which set off the fraud scheme. Initially, the victim paid Ufie $100 for her so-called services, but soon, the fortune teller claimed that she needed to do more “research.”
Ufie told the mother dire tales, threatening that her son could die if she didn’t participate in lifting a “generational curse.” According to Nygaard, Ufie insisted that the only way to remove this curse was to give her money, claiming that it was tied to “evil.” Tragically, the victim believed her and ended up parting with significant savings that she intended to use for her family’s future.
The swindle continued unimpeded until late October 2023. Nygaard mentioned that the victim had hoped for a better life for her family but, instead, found herself facing deep financial losses. Despite the evidence against her, Ufie pleaded not guilty during her arraignment and has not responded to multiple requests for comments.
Nygaard traveled from Florida to New York in pursuit of justice for the victims of Ufie’s scams, having tracked her movements for over two years. He recognized her right away, spotting her near the New York Public Library, which is known to be one of her frequent locations. He immediately contacted the authorities, leading to her arrest.
This case highlights the unfortunate reality that many people can fall victim to such scams, regardless of their background or education. Nygaard emphasized that even the most intelligent individuals can be deceived, especially while going through difficult times. “I’ve seen people from all walks of life get scammed. It’s not about being educated; anyone can fall prey to these kinds of frauds,” he remarked.
UFie’s history is not recent; she has run into trouble with the law multiple times before. Incredibly, she was previously arrested for grand larceny in both 2021 and 2022, which raises serious concerns about how often such scams go unpunished. While New York does have laws against fraud involving psychic practices, they are seldom enforced. Nygaard voiced frustration with a system that often dismisses these cases as civil matters rather than recognizing them as criminal activities.
There is a law in place making it illegal to practice “occult powers” for monetary gain. However, its enforcement is rare, often leaving victims feeling helpless and ignored. Nygaard argues that law enforcement’s misunderstanding frequently leads to the victim receiving undue blame rather than support.
The issues surrounding psychic scams call for greater attention from society and the legal system. These cases highlight the need for better education and awareness about the tactics employed by fraudsters who prey on those in vulnerable situations. It is essential for law enforcement to recognize the criminal nature of these scams, ensuring that perpetrators face consequences for their actions.
As Pamela Ufie awaits further legal proceedings, the hope is that justice will prevail not only for the victim in this case but for anyone who has ever fallen prey to a similar scam. In our fight against fraud, it is crucial to stand up for the victims and hold wrongdoers accountable.
