Punchbowl ‘psychic’ charged with fraud, crystal ball and tarot cards seized

A woman has been arrested and charged with fraud, identity theft and money laundering after allegedly claiming to be a psychic.

A Sydney woman is the third person to be charged with fraud, allegedly belonging to a syndicate of people taking money from victims after claiming to be psychics.

Police believe that the organised operation has been taking place in the greater Sydney area since as early as 2006 and established Strike Force Recycling in July this year to investigate the alleged frauds.

A Punchbowl woman has been arrested and charged with fraud, identity theft and money laundering after allegedly claiming to be a psychic. Picture: NSW Police

In a video of her arrest on Wednesday, the 48-year-old Punchbowl woman is escorted from a residence as it is searched. She can be heard saying “I’m not resisting, so don’t pretend. F**king jerk.”

As part of the arrests, police seized tarot cards, a sword, a crystal ball and antique statues.

Tarot cards were seized by Strike Force Recycling. Picture: NSW Police

The woman was charged with 13 offences – seven counts of identity theft, three counts of money laundering, participating in an organised crime group, fraud and hindering the discovery of evidence.

Speaking at a press conference, Detective Inspector Craig Brooks said the alleged group of offenders were “claiming to be psychics and using that guise to elicit property and funds from the victims”.

Police also seized a crystal ball. Picture: NSW Police

“If a member of the community believes they are a victim of a potential scam involving a psychic, they should report the matter to police,” he said

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