Complaint Review: Sylvia Mitchell

Sylvia Mitchell was caught again.  How predictable!!!

See the New York Times February 8, 2013 edition and the article by Michael Wilson for a more detailed account of Ms. Mitchells latest malevolent exploits.  She was arrested on new fraud charges involving $128,000 only a few minutes after pleading  not guilty for a previous fraud charge.   Bizarrebut it really fits her.

Former Greenwich Village psychic, Sylvia Mitchell, is now wanted by the NYPD for perpetrating a fortunetelling scam in which she is alleged to have defrauded a victim of approximately $28,000 (see link- http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/14/nyregion/psychic-is-expert-in-teaching-how-to-let-go-of-money.html .  Private Investigator Bob Nygaard, a member of the National Association of Bunco Investigators, who specializes in the investigation of con-artists, built the criminal case against Mitchell after being hired by the victim, who resides in Southwest Florida.  Nygaard conducted an intensive investigation, met with detectives from the NYPDs sixth squad, provided them with the evidence to obtain an arrest warrant, and the warrant was  subsequently obtained.  The details of the case are as follows;During the end of July in 2008, the victim, a middle-age woman, was in Greenwich Village in New York City visiting her boyfriend.  He had broken up with her and she was devastated by the demise of the relationship.  In addition, she had been let go from her job.  She was emotionally vulnerable because of these two stressful events that had just occurred in her life.  While walking on 7th Ave. S, the victim observed a sign advertising Psychic Zena at 82 7th Ave. S, N.Y., N.Y.  Due to the recent one two punch of losing her boyfriend and her job, she was emotionally distraught and searching for answers.  She decided to get a reading from Psychic Zena.  The victim felt totally lost and thought that maybe a psychic could help her make sense of things as well as tell her what her future might hold.The victim entered the psychic parlor and met with Psychic Zena (AKA Sylvia Mitchell).  The victim received a reading during which time Mitchell elicited information from the victim as to the problems that she was experiencing in her life.  Mitchell provided the victim with some very general information in return.  The victim paid her $70.00 for the reading.  Mitchell told the victim that she could conduct a much more extensive reading, which would reveal much more detailed information, but that it would cost $1,000 for such a reading.  The victim left, went to a bank, and withdrew $1,000.The victim subsequently went back to see Sylvia for a second reading (during that same week) at which time she gave Mitchell the $1,000 as instructed.  During the second reading, Mitchell told the victim that the cause of all her problems was her strong attachment to money, and that if she ever wanted to better herself and have a more positive life, the victim would first need to learn how to let go of money.  Mitchell said that the victim would need to give her $28,000 as an exercise just to prove that she could rid herself of her strong attachment to money.  Mitchell explained that it would be a very difficult thing for the victim to do but that it was necessary because the victim would continue to experience problems, such as the ones that she had recently experienced in her life, if she did not perform the exercise.  Mitchell assured the victim that it was just a test and that if the victim felt any discomfort at all after giving her the money that she would have the option of getting it back immediately.  The victim was desperate and willing to try anything to change her life for the better in light of the negative events that had recently occurred in her life.The victim, who resided in Florida, flew back and arranged to get the $27,000 that Sylvia had convinced her was needed for the exercise.  The victim subsequently returned to New York City in August of 2008, and went back to see Mitchell.  Mitchell reassured the victim that she would only hold the money temporarily and Mitchell reassured her that it was only a test.  Mitchell stated unequivocally that the money would be safe and secure and Mitchell promised that if at any time the victim wanted her money back, she (Mitchell) could easily take care of it by just reissuing the victim a check.  Mitchell convinced the victim that she was taking a huge step in terms of bettering herself and Mitchell reiterated that if the victim felt any discomfort whatsoever after giving her the money, that the victim would have the option of getting the money back immediately.  By this time, Sylvia Mitchell had gained the victims complete confidence and trust.  The victim was thoroughly convinced that Mitchell did in fact possess psychic powers and that she had her best interests at heart.  The victim was convinced that everything that Mitchell was telling her was true, so she performed the exercise as instructed and gave Mitchell a personal check for $27,000.The very next day, the victim came to her senses and realized that giving Mitchell the $27,000 had been a huge mistake.  The victim realized that her judgment had been severely clouded by the emotionally vulnerable state that she was in due to the demise of her relationship and the loss of her job.  The victim had been completely vulnerable to Mitchells suggestions and she now realized that she had been conned.  The victim called Mitchell and told her that she needed her money back immediately and that she wanted to come see her to get it.  Mitchell informed the victim that her money was unavailable and that she could not give it back to her.  The victim asked Mitchell where she had put it and Mitchell refused to tell her.  The victim literally begged Mitchell to give her her money back but Mitchell said that it just was not coming back to her.  The victim reminded Mitchell that she had told her that the money was safe and secure and the victim reminded Mitchell of the promise that she had made to her regarding her being able to get her money back anytime she wanted.  The victim was in a state of shock.  The victim kept calling Mitchell over the course of the next few days in the hopes that Mitchell would do the right thing and give her her $27,000 back.  Unfortunately, Mitchell repeatedly refused to give the victim her money back and refused to tell her where it was.  The victim finally realized that Mitchells promise was merely part of the con and that Mitchell never intended on keeping her promise.  The victim flew back to Florida but continued to call Mitchell demanding her money back but to no avail.In October 2008, the victim called Mitchell and informed her that she was going to report her to the police because she had lied to her and was refusing to give her her money back as promised.  Mitchell arranged to make a payment to the victim to prevent from being arrested.  Mitchell instructed the victim to meet her on Grove St. in New York City.  The victim met Mitchell on Grove St. in November 2008, at which time Mitchell gave me the victim a personal check.  The check was a Chase Bank personal check valued at $4,000 from Sylvia E. Mitchell 1350 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, Florida dated October 31, 2008.  The victim subsequently attempted to cash the check but the check bounced due to insufficient funds.  The victim subsequently resubmitted it and it cleared.  After the victim received the $4,000, she continued to contact Mitchell in an attempt to recover the rest of the money that Mitchell had defrauded her of but to no avail.In January 2009, the victim sent Mitchell a letter notifying her that she was going to take legal action if she did not return the money.  Mitchell made a couple of small sporadic payments to dissuade the victim from going to the police and to stay out of trouble, but in April 2010, the payments stopped.  The victim now realized that the payments that Mitchell had made were just shrewd attempts to avoid being arrested and an exit strategy for her con.In February of 2010, the victim was browsing the internet when she came upon stories that had been published in the New York Post and the New York Daily News regarding Sylvia Mitchell, in which another woman was alleging that Mitchell had defrauded her as well.The details concerning that case were published in a story that appeared in the New York Post on February 18, 2010.  According to the New York Post and a lawsuit that was filed in regards to the case, a woman named Dane Chan alleged that Sylvia Mitchell conned her out of over $10,000 with schemes to cleanse her of "impurities."  Mitchell allegedly told Chan that she urgently needed to start "removing blockages" to improve her life.  Mitchell purported that she could remove the blockages for $500.  Mitchell also told Chan to make a "prayer list" in that she was instructed to write down all her desires and goals for the future in a piece of paper.  Chan was instructed to wrap the list in nine $100 bills and place the list into a jar filled with water and spit.  Mitchell further instructed Chan to put the jar under her pillow and sleep in a white nightgown for a week.  When Chan went back to see Mitchell to give her the jar, Mitchell grabbed the jar, moved it up and down Chans body and then disappeared.  Mitchell then came back and the water inside the jar was red.  Mitchell claimed that this was due to the impurities, which had been purged.  Chan asked for her money back, but Mitchell refused to return it.  Mitchell then told Chan that she had to perform the ceremony again with new $100 bills, or else her future fortune would not change.  Approximately one week later, Mitchell called the woman and frantically asked the woman how much money she could put on her credit card because she needed supplies to finish cleansing the womans future.  Mitchell purportedly went to a Ralph Lauren store and purchased clothes, making two $4,733 charges.After reading this story, the victim, who had up until this time felt embarrassed and ashamed at having been defrauded by Mitchell, now, realized that she was not the only person whom Mitchell had victimized.  As a result, the victim decided to contact the police not only for herself but also out of a sense of responsibility to stop Sylvia Mitchell from emotionally abusing and financially devastating others.The victim subsequently called the NYPD and the Manhattan District Attorneys Office but she kept being referred from one person to the next and she just could not find anyone who would take an interest in her case.  Not knowing which way to turn and who to go to for help, the victim called Private Investigator Bob Nygaard.  Nygaard is a highly decorated retired police officer, headquartered in Manhattan, N.Y. and Boca Raton, Florida, who specializes in investigating Bunco crimes and in the detection and apprehension, of con-artists.  Nygaard met with the victim in Florida and agreed to take her case.  Nygaard subsequently built a criminal case against Mitchell.  Nygaard (a former New York City Transit Police Officer and Nassau County, N.Y. Police Officer) then took the victim to meet with detectives in the NYPDs sixth precinct at which time he provided the detectives with sufficient evidence necessary to obtain an arrest warrant.  The NYPD gave Private Investigator Nygaard their full cooperation and subsequently obtained the warrant for Sylvia Mitchell.Mitchell is believed to have fled to Cannes, France at this time.  Anyone who has been also been defrauded by Sylvia Mitchell (AKA Psychic Zena) or anyone having any information in regards to Mitchells whereabouts should contact Private Investigator Bob Nygaard at (212)-514-7474 or (561)-596-3443  AND NYPD sixth precinct Detective Wheeler at (212)-741-4841.

Christine Eli A.K.A. ZENA, she was arrested by LAPD and under probation now. If you think she fraud you, please contact immediately. She was arrested in LA close her LA office, then move to Hollywood, FL. She own a building in NY where a Psychic store is located.

Please contact LA and/or both ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1: LA Miguel Emanez Interstate Cooperation Dept. Probation Officer Los Angeles County

Riverview Probation Office 12310 Lower Asuza Road Arcadia, CA 91006 ------------------------------ Tel: 626-308-5540

2: Hollywood, FL Jillian Court Correctional Probation Officer Florida Department of Corrections

1050 N. Federal Hwy. Hollywood, FL 33020

Tel: 954-924-3916 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Your report is very important to stop future crime.

Her real name is Christine Eli.

From LAPD - Detective Haro retired from office.

* Best way to report*

1) Start Writing with "I am victim of Fraud." 2) You write down what happened between you and her. Date, Time, Location, What she said, What she did, ----small detail as much as possible. 3) Go to a notary and sign. 4) Send your document by certified mail 5) Call the LA probation Office and/or Correctional Probation Officer in FL and let them know you send a certified mail to them.

YOUR REPORT IS VERY IMPORTANT!!! STOP CRIME!!! We can't guarantee, but your report might give you an opportunity to get your money back.

Another victim of Sylvia Mitchell has come foreward and filed a lawsuit against her. The suit and the crime are reported in the New York newspapers and on various blogs. Perhaps, the NYPD will finally get involved to stop this menace. 

This woman belongs in jail!!!

My screen name was "money lost" and I wrote this initial report. I must say that some time has gone by and I have worked out any misunderstandings with the Ms. Mitchell. 

There is no such thing as a "psychic". "witch", "spellcaster" etc etc - Just live your life and stop sending these scam artists money - spend your money on yourself!

Thank you for writing this report.  This scam also happened to me.  This writer and the other responder described what she does perfectly.  Please stay away from her.  The shop is on 7th Ave and Bleeker.  She also has a location in Florida when she needs to disappear.  I reported the incident to NYPD special victims.  They are complying a case against her.   I had a few of her checks because I got her to pay me back most of the money when I let her know I was going to the police.  They have her checking account number.   They also have a recording of her scamming me.  My hope is one day enough people will go to the police and she will be stopped.  Again, thank you for making her public.

Dear Jamjet:

So sorry to read your story.  You are to be congratulated at least for having the courage to say something. I didnt.  These scam artists know that a mark it not likely to report these crimes for fear of looking like a fool. It is embarrassing. 

Sylvia Mitchell ripped me off as well, only for considerable more money.   I was sick, clinically depressed, desperateout of my mind really.  Sylvia offered me a way to solve my problems and my goose was cooked.   In fact she gave me a guarantee not once but twice guaranteed the benefits of sacrifices. The scam worked great and then she distanced herself from me as you describe.  The money was bad enough, but she managed to make my condition  even worse. Eventually, I was hospitalized for a week.  She even called me in the hospital to wish me well.  Granted she didnt cause my condition; she just took advantage of it. 

You wont be surprise to know that Sylvia also consoled people who lost family in 911.  Also, Her specialty is helping grieving parents who just lost children.   Contacting the spirits of the deceased is the way she brings comfort to the living and makes good money for the service or the sacrifice.

I contacted the NYPD Frauds Division. The detective told me there was little hope of getting money back, which I understood already.  He also explained that these are tough cases for them and they dont like wasting time on them.  Nonetheless, he said they would look for her.  I gave them the address and phone number but never heard from them again.   I contacted the New York Attorney Generals Office and filed a consumer fraud complaint.  The AGs office sent a form, which I filled out and returned. Months later I called and was told the file was given a case number but that probably nothing would be done.  And it wasnt.  The FBI told me to contact the Department of Commerce and ask about Identity theft as I know she worked with someone to find confidential financial information.    Dead ends really.  Although, you might try again the NYPD and AG to at least build her file.  

Lastly, I contacted Chanel, the fashion house.  It wasnt Macys with me but the expensive Parisian clothier.  Andwhy not? She a had a live one.   The head of security was very interested in what I had to say about her and a person that worked for themcohort.  The Chanel people never contacted me again.  Better to make the issue go away from their perspectiveno need to disturb the real clientele.        

Im told that the IRS can help.  Since these scammers rarely report income, they are good targets for tax fraud.

My best of luck to you.  If I can help. Please let me.  This is one of lifes lessons as you stated.   There were conditions and circumstances but it really comes down to I made a huge mistake that nearly cost my life.   I can only hope for justice.  You might get a laugh from reading about the punishment in Hell for diviners and fortunetellers  in Dantes Divine Comedy, Canto XX of the Inferno. 

Also,  You might check her other address,  Bleeker St.  Its the wedge shaped building at the sharp corner of 7^th Ave and Bleeker.   Her mother is actually Zena or Xena.  Shes a real piece of work as well. Acorns dont fall far from the tree. 

Sylvia, since you will certainly read this, I should say hello.  Been a while.  Are you going by Steve now? An aka? Youre back from Florida. Things get hot down there?  One of these days your con-artistry will get you serious trouble. But, I think you like the rush as well as the money. Yet, it must get tiring looking over your shoulder for the law or some enraged client.   Remember the Laws of the Universe and Justice.  What goes around comes around.

The truth is that you are nothing but a common fraud.  I know, and you know that there are no such things as psychics, spell casters (except maybe Harry Potter :-)) or any of the claptrap you claim to be able to do.

You are 100% fraud and you belong in jail.  It's hard to believe people like you an live with yourselves.

Disgusting!

        The truth to this comment is yes my name is Sylvia but I dont go by the name Zena it is the name of the shop I work in.  I dont know who this person is. This so called person claims to be a ''victim''.  If there is anybody that has a problem let me know. Other psychic shops come and go I have been in the same place for over twenty years which has to mean something. I stand behind and believe in everything I do.  If this so called ''victim'' is real please just come forward.  If they do not want to meet than please contact my lawyer with the proof that you are an actual ''victim''. 

        If you are curious about me dont take somebody else with no name word for it.  Come in and try it for yourself I promise you wont be dissapointed.  And remember the rip off report allows ANYBODY to post ANYTHING about ANYBODY with NO PROOF at all! If somebody wanted to post bad and false things about a rabi,mother threasa, or the pope it would be allowed.  Im not claiming to be close to these people theres just nobody monitoring this web site clarifying fact from fiction.  If you would like to contact me directly please call (917)-251-9494.