Complaint Review: Shelby the Psychic - Highland Mills New York

I met Shelby Thompson (not sure if that is her real last name) on 12/12/15.  She had a sign on State Route 32 Highland Mills, New York advertising “Psychic Readings by Shelby” (845) 827-5725.  I called the number and made an appointment.  I was charged $50 for a Tarot reading.  Shelby told me  I had “bad luck” and it needed to be removed, and if I wanted she would burn a candle for me ($100).  She stated she didn’t need any money because “her husband took care of her.”  She said I needed another appointment and we would meet again.  On 12/14/15 I met with Shelby and was told I needed to give her $500 to trick the evil spirits in order to remove the bad luck.  She assured me it would be returned in just a couple days.  On 12/14/15 I went to 2 atm’s and took out $500 cash and gave it to Shelby (This was the beginning).  On 12/21/15 I met with Shelby to have the “bad luck” removed, and she did a “cleansing” of the evil spirits.  After the so called "cleansing" I had to pay her $7,500 or something terrible would happen to me family.  She stated my daughter was doing drugs and was going to end up in drug rehab before the first of the year if I did not pay the money.  She said she had to accompany me to the bank to withdraw the money. On 12/12/15 I gave Shelby $7,500 cash.  I told her it was a severe hardship, and I was crying.  She assured me again, I would receive the money by January 1, 2016 along with the $500.  I believed Shelby, plus I was now embarrassed I gave her all this money.  I was afraid to tell my family, and she told me to definitely not tell my daughter about her drug problem.  On 12/29/15 I met with Shelby and was told the evil spirits were onto us, and if I didn’t pay $5000 something terrible would happen to my daughter, my mother and my grandchild.  I again was reassured all the money would be returned by 1/2/16.  I cried I did not have cash and she told me terrible, horrible things would happen if the spirits were not paid, money is the root of all evil. On 12/30/15 I gave Shelby $5000 cash.  I saw Shelby on 1/8/16, and I was not given my money back.  I have called and texted her multiple times and I still did not receive my money.  On 2/18/16 I met with Scashhelby and she told me that I now had to pay her $4000 or one of my son’s was going to die, and my daughter was going to end up in a wheelchair.  I told her I needed to go home and process everything, and she said I “had” to pay the money.  I told her I could only give her $200.  She said if she found out I had more money, my family would not be protected and something terrible would happen to them.  I went to an ATM and withdrew $200.  Shelby even called me on my cell phone to make sure I was returning to her house with the money.  On 2/18/16 I gave Shelby $200 cash.  Total money given to Shelby is $13,200.  I finally disclosed everything to my daughter 2/22/16.  She told me she did not have a drug problem, and that I was scammed by the psychic Shelby.  She insisted I start researching anything I could find on Shelby, and  I needed to report this.  As of today I have not received on single penny of my $13,200 back from Shelby Thompson.  I am so embarrassed I trusted this person and I gave her all my cash.  I did find one complaint about Shelby Thompson on “Ripoff Report.”  That is why I’m doing this report.    Yes, Shelby is a very convincing con artist.  I did believe her, and trusted her at the beginning.  As time went on I was too embarrassed to tell anyone, and I kept hoping and hoping she would return my money….but I was terribly wrong.  Anyone reading this complaint, please don’t fall for her scam.  You work hard for your money, and no matter what Shelby tells you it is all lies.  Nothing terrible is going to happen to you or your family if she tells you this.  Trust your gut and do not fall for her scam.  She is a liar and has no remorse for what she has done.  I hope she is caught by the authorities and brought to justice!