Psychic Scams Waretown Man Out Of $147,000, Police Say

A senior citizen from Waretown was scammed out of $147,000 by a Smithville psychic who promised him she could cleanse his soul and allow him to "live in peace," according to Galloway Township Police.

Sally "Kim" Wando, 49, Galloway, operated Village Psychic in Smithville. The man, who was not identified, told police that he had visited "Kim," who charged him $5,000 for the first visit. The woman recommended more treatments and a "14-step Chakra program," which would cost $10,500 per step, police said.

"Kim advised him that he had eight evil spirits that only she could eradicate via the 14 steps," according to the police report. "Investigation revealed that Kim exploited information she learned about the gentleman’s unpleasant childhood in order to make him believe she could bring him relief. She also predicted further torment in this life and the afterlife if he did not complete the 14 steps."

The Waretown man agreed to transfer $147,000 from his checking account to Wando's son Frank Marco's business - Frank's Classic Carz in Ventnor.

Wando told the man that if he told anyone about the arrangement, more evil spirits would need to be cleansed. He was told to tell the bank tellers he was buying a car from Frank's Classic Cars, police said.

Wando and her son Frank T. Marco, 24, Ventnor, were both arrested by Galloway detective Jason Kiamos on Aug. 25 and charged with second-degree theft by deception and conspiracy to commit theft. Both were released pending a court date.

Police are asking anyone with more information about the business or Wando and Marco to contact contact Detective Kiamos at (609) 652-3705 ext 325 or via anonymous confidential tip through our Facebook page and/or our Twitter account at @gallowaypd. Galloway police also receive tips from Atlantic County Crime Stoppers @ (609) 652-1234 or 1-800-658-TIPS.

Photos: Galloway Township Police Department