Psychic scammer who stole $100,000 apprehended by Sacramento Police in Orange County

The self-described psychic who allegedly scammed thousands of dollars from victims in Sacramento was taken into custody in Orange County Sacramento Police have announced.

The suspect, Perlita Afanacio-Ballester, was taken into custody on January 28 and is charged with felony grand theft and false personation charges. 

On the morning of September 22, 2019, Sacramento Police Department patrol officers responded to the 1400 block of Helmsman Way after several people reported being the victim of a theft.  When officers arrived on scene they determined that at least ten of the callers had become victims of fraud.

The suspect in the case represented herself as a psychic and promised to double any amount of money given to her.  The victims were told to return to a specific location, after a few days, to receive their doubled funds.  

When the victims arrived, they learned that the suspect had fled with their money.  The total losses amounted to approximately $100,000.

Sacramento Police Department detectives credit assistance from media outlets and social media in locating the suspect. As a result, several anonymous tips were received who held identify Afanacio-Ballester and lead to her arrests.