Women transfer 157,000 euros to fraudsters posing as clairvoyants

Two women transferred a total of 157,000 euros to fraudsters after responding to Facebook advertisements offering supposed clairvoyant services, LSM reported, citing the State Police. Criminal proceedings have been launched on suspicion of large-scale fraud.

According to police, the women saw advertisements offering clairvoyant services on Facebook. In one case, a supposed clairvoyant offered psychological help and a ritual to remove a curse. In the other, the victim was promised a magical ritual to put her private life in order.

Over an extended period, the women transferred or handed over 118,000 euros and 39,000 euros respectively. In one case, the victim not only transferred money to bank accounts but also placed cash in a parcel locker and handed it to a courier at the fraudsters’ instruction.

After realising that the promised magical rituals had produced no results, the women tried to contact the supposed clairvoyants again but received no response.

The State Police advised people who have given fraudsters their bank details or money to contact their bank immediately and inform the police by calling 112 or visiting the nearest police station. The police said large-scale fraud is punishable by between two and 10 years in prison, with or without confiscation of property, and probation supervision for up to three years, with or without it.