How Romanian Fortune Tellers Used Google To Fleece Victims

Hentes writes "The internet has made many things easier, but unfortunately this also includes crime: it seems that nowadays not even people wanting to know their future are safe from fraud. Two fortune tellers are being investigated, after the Romanian police uncovered that they have utilized some extraordinary help in their clairvoyant acts. The pair used information collected from internet search and social networks to gain the trust of their customers, claiming that they could see their personal data through their crystal ball. In some cases, they also used high-tech surveillance techniques such as hidden cameras and phone tapping. But they didn't stop at merely spying on their victims: their most bizarre case involved a scuba diver dressed as a monster." Nice to know that internet-based fraud isn't limited to motivational speakers with real-estate seminars and other get-rich-quick flim-flam.

Comments

Re:It's a foregone conclusion

[mrmeval]

No it's only a foregone conclusion for inebriated halfwits who'd choose their doctor from a police line up of serial killers.

The better ones are the ones that you get to know usually through a network of acquaintances. They've been practicing for at least a decade after apprenticing that long. They will have a business license. They have a fixed place of business and fixed prices.They will do standard horoscope and can do the base 12 math. They work with you on interpretation and the results get better as you learn to do the interpretations yourself though they are there to teach and advise. They are professionals and will have solid certificates in what is obtainable for most laypeople such as licensed physical therapist, licensed reflexologist and other certifications that may or may not have state licensing. Some will have counseling degrees and/or psychology degree. There are no formal requirements.

Having your fortune read is as much a journey as picking a psychologist or other doctor. The 'fortune teller' has as much ability to do you harm as any medical practitioner so chose them as wisely as you choose your doctors.

I would not have said that a few years ago. They were lumped in with all the other huckers, grifters and frauds. I've met a few people who are not that. I've run out of words.

Re:That's a bit narrow-minded, I think

[Zapotek]

Let me guess...lonely geek has a crush on pretty tarrot reader, right?