Tina Montana, Maria and Larry Williams charged after investigation into alleged scammer ‘psychics’

Police have arrested a third person following investigations into an alleged fraud syndicate, which is accused of scamming vulnerable people out of their savings by claiming to be “psychics”.

Police have arrested and charged a third person following investigations into an alleged fraud syndicate, which is accused of scamming vulnerable people out of their life savings by claiming to be “psychics”.

Campsie detectives launched Strike Force Recycling in July to investigate claims a group claiming to be psychics had been defrauding people of their savings and property for nearly two decades.

The following month, officers arrested Maria Williams and her husband, Larry Williams.

Investigators swooped again in the early hours of Wednesday, arresting Maria’s sister, Tina Montana, at her Punchbowl home.

Police searched the property and seized a number of items suspected to have been used in connection with the alleged offences, including tarot cards, a crystal ball and a number of statues.

Tina Montana is arrested on Wednesday during a raid that resulted in police seizing items that included tarot cards and a crystal ball. Pictures: NSW Police

Montana, 47, is charged with seven counts of identity theft, three counts of money laundering, and single counts of participating in an organised crime group, fraud and hindering the discovery of evidence.

She is also charged with two counts of domestic violence-related stalking or intimidation.

Tina Montana is arrested on Wednesday. Picture: NSW Police

The 47-year-old was refused police bail following her arrest and is set to face Bankstown Local Court later in the day.

Maria Williams, 48, is charged with one count of fraud, while Larry Williams, 50, is charged with that offence and recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime.

Both remain before the courts.

Police will allege the group encouraged people to provide its members with property and money under the guise of offering psychic services, but failed to return these things as agreed.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Detective Inspector Craig Brooks said the alleged syndicate had been “operating in the greater Sydney region since at least 2006”.

NSW Police claim a group of people committed frauds by claiming to be psychics. Picture: NSW Police

“I won’t go into the specifics other than to say that these (alleged) offenders were claiming to be psychics and used that guise to elicit funds and property from the victims,” Det Insp Brooks said.

“Police do believe other persons are involved. Today, police have charged these (alleged) offenders in connection with four victims.”

Police are appealing to members of the public with any information to contact Campsie Police Station, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Det Insp Brooks also urged anyone who believed themselves to be the victim of a scam or potential scheme involving a psychic to report the matter to police.