$600K+ stolen in complex Pennsylvania ‘fortune-telling’ scheme, duo charged

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — A “complex” Pennsylvania fortune-telling scheme resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars being stolen and two people being charged, investigators said.

Gina Marks, 52, of Huntingdon Valley, and Steve Nicklas, 40, of Philadelphia, are accused of working together to take advantage of people and stealing more than $600,000 from 2022 to 2024, court documents filed by Montgomery County detectives show.

Marks is accused of using tarot card readings and other ritual practices to learn about a victim’s dreams, desires, and fears, investigators said. She then reportedly exploited said victim with this knowledge by offering them help with their personal and work problems.

Charging documents show how Marks was allegedly able to steal one victim’s money and property by preying on their desire to stay married and fight off “black magic.”

Marks reportedly claimed she had to temporarily take the victim’s money and property — high-end clothing, jewelry, home gifts, gift cards, for instance — to two alleged “altars” to remove any evil. Instead of returning the items, however, investigators said Marks would string the victim along by claiming she needed more money to finish the work.

Another female victim said Marks threatened her by texting pictures of the woman and her family, making her fear what would happen if Marks’ instructions weren’t followed.

Nicklas, meanwhile, is accused of helping in these schemes, as investigators said Marks introduced him to some alleged victims.

A total of $613,959.11 in cash and property was stolen from two victims in the alleged scheme, according to court documents. The investigation began when one of the victims contacted authorities on Dec. 24, 2024.

Marks and Nicklas were arraigned on Oct. 7 and taken to prison. Online court records show they’ve since posted bail and been released.

The duo faces felony charges of conspiracy, theft, receiving stolen property and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, in addition to misdemeanor charges of receiving stolen property and fortune-telling. Though “fortune-telling” is legal in many states, a 1861 state law made it against the law, though it’s rarely enforced.