The Fox Sisters: The Birth of Spiritualism and the Quest for Truth

By Jon Donnis

The Fox sisters, Margaret and Kate Fox, are often credited with sparking the spiritualism movement in the mid-19th century. Their purported ability to communicate with the dead through mysterious "rappings" and "knockings" captivated a wide audience and drew followers, including notable figures such as William Crookes and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. However, a thorough examination reveals that their supposed supernatural abilities were, in fact, elaborate deceptions.

Born in the early 1830s in Hydesville, New York, the Fox sisters, Margaret (1833) and Kate (1837), grew up in a modest farmhouse. It was there that the first reports of supernatural phenomena emerged. They claimed that, in March 1848, they began hearing strange rapping noises in their home, which they attributed to the spirit of a deceased peddler who had been murdered there. The sisters asserted that they could communicate with this spirit and others through these raps.

Their claims quickly captured public attention. With their older sister Leah's assistance, Margaret and Kate began hosting public séances where they demonstrated their supposed abilities. These demonstrations resonated with a society eager for spiritual answers, particularly in the wake of the Civil War and the existential questions it raised.

The popularity of their séances soared. Prominent figures, including journalists, spiritualists, and even skeptics, visited them. Early followers included P.T. Barnum, who initially believed in their abilities and sought to promote them. The sisters also attracted attention from renowned scientists and spiritualists, such as William Crookes, who conducted experiments with them, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who remained a staunch defender of spiritualism.

Despite the acclaim, skepticism about the Fox sisters' claims persisted. In 1888, the sisters themselves confessed that their initial manifestations of spirit communication were faked. Margaret Fox revealed that they had used a series of tricks to produce the rapping sounds. She demonstrated how they had cracked their toes and fingers to create the noises that had been mistaken for supernatural communication.

Further investigation into their practices uncovered additional deceptive techniques. The sisters were found to have manipulated their bodies to produce the knocking sounds, including the use of hidden wires and other mechanical devices. Their public confession was met with a mix of disbelief and outrage, revealing the extent of the deception they had perpetrated.

The later lives of the Fox sisters were marked by personal and professional difficulties. After their confession, they faced public disapproval and the personal consequences of their actions. Margaret, who initially denounced spiritualism, later attempted to revive it but met with limited success. She struggled financially and faced health problems, which she attributed to her earlier spiritual practices.

Kate Fox's life was similarly troubled. She became involved in various controversies and struggled with alcoholism. Despite her attempts to distance herself from the spiritualist movement, she could not escape the shadow of her earlier claims.

Margaret Fox passed away in 1893 at the age of 60, while Kate Fox died in 1892 at the age of 55. Their deaths were overshadowed by the controversies of their lives and the ongoing debates about spiritualism. Despite their later admissions of fraud, the spiritualist movement they helped popularise continued to influence various aspects of society long after their deaths.

The story of the Fox sisters serves as a cautionary tale about the power of belief and the susceptibility of the human mind to deception. Their ability to manipulate and deceive a public eager for answers underscores the importance of skepticism and critical thinking when evaluating extraordinary claims. Their legacy reflects both the profound human desire to connect with the beyond and the critical need for a rigorous approach to evaluating such claims.

NEWS: Mastermind of Elaborate Psychic Fraud Scheme Sentenced to Over a Decade in Prison

Images: U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia

By Jon Donnis

Gina Rita Russell, 35, originally from New York City and Los Angeles, has been sentenced to 125 months in prison for orchestrating a complex fraud, extortion, and money laundering operation. This scheme resulted in a Maryland man embezzling more than $4 million from his employer in Washington, D.C. Russell is the sixth and final defendant to be sentenced in this case.

The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves and FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division.

In April 2018, a federal grand jury indicted Russell along with her ex-common-law husband Robert Evans, his brothers Tony John Evans and Corry Blue Evans, and their parents, Archie Kaslov and Candy Evans, all hailing from New York. These indictments were related to various charges linked to the elaborate scheme. Alarmingly, one of Russell's accomplices even threatened to harm the Maryland man's young children during the course of the extortion.

The evidence presented by the government revealed that Russell met a woman in Manhattan in October 2009 and conducted a fake psychic reading for her. Despite having no psychic abilities, Russell convinced the woman otherwise and told her that dire consequences would follow unless large sums of money were raised for Russell and her family. Initially, the woman provided funds from her legitimate employment, but Russell later persuaded her to lie to her father, claiming she needed money for therapy, sleep studies, and university fees. After giving his daughter substantial financial support, the father eventually ceased his assistance.

Russell then convinced the woman to engage in sex work to earn more money. The woman advertised sensual massage services online, including on Backpage.com. Through one of these ads, she met a Maryland man who fell in love with her and proposed, despite being married with children. Exploiting his affection, Russell and the woman, along with Robert Evans, Tony John Evans, Corry Blue Evans, and Archie Kaslov, extorted money and gold bars from him. The woman claimed she owed money to dangerous individuals and that her life was in jeopardy. Consequently, the Maryland man embezzled more than $4 million from his employer between January and March 2017. As part of the plot, Tony John Evans impersonated a mobster during phone calls with the Maryland man, even threatening his children. Russell also dictated threatening texts and provided the woman with instructions on what to tell the man.

Believing the embezzled funds were being delivered to mobsters, the Maryland man converted the money into cash and gold bars, which he then delivered to drop-off locations in New York, including hotel rooms. However, the funds were actually going to members of the Russell-Evans-Kaslov family.

In July 2019, Russell pleaded guilty to interference with interstate commerce by extortion. Although her sentencing was initially scheduled for May 2024, the government discovered that Russell had engaged in similar criminal activities in Los Angeles. She convinced another woman of her psychic abilities, defrauded the woman's father, and persuaded her to raise money through sex work. Upon learning this, U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan issued a warrant for Russell's arrest. She was detained on 19 March 2024 and has remained in custody since then.

In addition to her prison sentence of 10 years and five months, Judge Chutkan ordered Russell to pay $4,217,542.86 in restitution and to serve three years of supervised release.

Tony John Evans, 35, and Robert Evans, 37, both pleaded guilty to interference with interstate commerce by extortion and were sentenced to five years in prison each. Corry Blue Evans, 31, pleaded guilty to bank fraud and received a 41-month prison sentence. Archie Kaslov, 57, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and was sentenced to 30 months in prison. Candy Evans, 55, pleaded guilty to tampering with a witness by corrupt persuasion or misleading conduct and was sentenced to one year and one day in prison.

The case was thoroughly investigated by the FBI's Washington Field Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kondi Kleinman, former Assistant U.S. Attorney David B. Kent, and a team of supporting attorneys and paralegal specialists.

What should you do to avoid Psychic and Clairvoyant Scams

By Jon Donnis

Bromley Trading Standards has issued a crucial warning to residents, urging them to remain vigilant against scammers posing as psychics or clairvoyants. This alert follows a recent incident where a local resident was deceived into sending several cheques totaling over £100 in response to a fraudulent letter promising good fortune. Fortunately, the money was successfully recovered.

The following advice is not just for people of Bromley though, this advice should go to everyone in the UK so read carefully.

According to the Action Fraud website, psychic and clairvoyant scams typically involve fraudsters claiming to foresee either wonderful or terrible events in the victim's future. They then demand payment to provide a full report or to offer charms that purportedly ensure good luck or ward off bad luck. These charms, however, are worthless, and victims are often asked to keep the interaction confidential, which further isolates them and prevents timely intervention.

These scammers can make contact through various channels, including phone calls, emails, or letters. Regular payments may be solicited, and responding to such requests can result not only in financial loss but also in personal details being shared with other scammers, increasing the risk of further targeting.

Protect Yourself from Scams

Residents are advised to adopt the following protective measures:

Do Not Respond: If you receive unsolicited communications from individuals claiming to be psychics or clairvoyants, do not respond. Refrain from sending money or sharing personal or financial details.

Report Phishing Attempts: Forward any suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and then delete them.

Seek Advice: If uncertain about the legitimacy of a communication, consult a trusted family member, friend, or advisor.

Report Scams: Contact your bank immediately if you've shared financial information. Use the dedicated Stop Scams UK hotline by dialing 159.

Get Help: Reach out to Citizens Advice at 0808 223 1133 or visit their website for assistance. - citizensadvice.org.uk

File a Report: If you have been scammed or have lost money, report the incident to Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040 or via their website. - actionfraud.police.uk

Stay Informed: The Metropolitan Police website offers resources, including guidebooks and videos, to help prevent fraud and cybercrime. 

  

Stay Updated and Find Reliable Traders

Residents can stay informed about the latest scam alerts and warnings by signing up for updates from Bromley Trading Standards. The service also maintains a fair-trader directory, ensuring residents can find trustworthy and reliable traders. For more details, visit bromley.gov.uk/tradingstandardschecked

And perhaps the most important advice you will ever received, NEVER GIVE A PENNY TO A PSYCHIC. They are ALL frauds, no exceptions.

The Rise and Fall of Miss Cleo

By Jon Donnis

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the name Miss Cleo became synonymous with psychic readings and late-night infomercials. Known for her thick Jamaican accent, colourful attire, and the catchphrase "Call me now!", Miss Cleo was the face of the Psychic Readers Network (PRN), a widely recognized yet controversial psychic hotline service. However, behind the vibrant persona lay a tale of deception, legal battles, and the ultimate fall from grace. This article delves into the rise and fall of Miss Cleo, exploring the dynamics of her fame, the intricacies of the fraud allegations, and the aftermath of her downfall.

The Rise of Miss Cleo

Early Life and Beginnings

Born Youree Dell Harris on August 12, 1962, in Los Angeles, California, Miss Cleo's early life bore no signs of the persona she would later adopt. Before becoming the infamous psychic, Harris pursued a career in theater, working as a playwright and actress. Under the pseudonym Ree Perris, she was involved with the Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center in Seattle, where she authored plays and performed.

Transformation into Miss Cleo

The transformation from Youree Dell Harris to Miss Cleo began in the late 1990s when she joined the Psychic Readers Network. The network, which operated a pay-per-call service, featured psychics who provided advice and predictions over the phone. Harris adopted the character of Miss Cleo, claiming to be a shaman from Jamaica with mystical powers and a direct connection to the spiritual world. Her engaging persona, complete with a convincing accent and a commanding presence, quickly made her the star of PRN's advertisements.

National Fame

Miss Cleo's commercials became a staple of late-night television, drawing millions of viewers with their promise of insightful readings and life-changing advice. Her catchphrases, particularly "Call me now!", became part of popular culture. The combination of her vibrant personality and the public's fascination with the supernatural propelled Miss Cleo to national fame. She was not just a psychic; she became a cultural icon, recognized and imitated across various media.

The Fall of Miss Cleo

Controversy and Legal Troubles

As Miss Cleo's fame grew, so did scrutiny of her and the Psychic Readers Network's practices. In 2002, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a complaint against PRN, accusing the network of deceptive advertising, billing, and collection practices. The FTC alleged that PRN had misled customers by promising free readings that were, in fact, charged at exorbitant rates. Many customers reported unauthorized charges on their credit cards and difficulty in canceling services.

Unveiling the Deception

The legal battles revealed that Miss Cleo was not Jamaican and had no special psychic abilities. Her background as Youree Dell Harris from Los Angeles came to light, and her entire persona was exposed as a fabrication. The FTC's investigation concluded that the Psychic Readers Network had defrauded customers out of millions of dollars. In 2002, PRN agreed to a settlement, which included forgiving $500 million in customer charges and paying a $5 million fine to the FTC.

Media Backlash and Public Perception

The revelation of Miss Cleo's true identity and the fraudulent activities of PRN led to a significant media backlash. Satirical shows and comedians capitalized on the scandal, further tarnishing her image. The public, once captivated by her charisma, turned against her, seeing her as a symbol of exploitation and deceit.

Aftermath and Legacy

Life After the Scandal

Following the downfall of her Miss Cleo persona, Youree Dell Harris largely retreated from the public eye. She made occasional media appearances, including participating in documentaries and interviews where she discussed her side of the story. Despite the scandal, Harris maintained that she genuinely believed in her psychic abilities and that she had helped many people.

Cultural Impact

Despite the controversy, Miss Cleo's impact on popular culture is undeniable. Her character has been referenced in numerous TV shows, movies, and parodies, cementing her place in the pantheon of late-90s and early-2000s pop culture. The phrase "Call me now!" remains a recognizable catchphrase, often used humorously to evoke the era of TV psychics.

Death and Reflection

Youree Dell Harris passed away on July 26, 2016, from colon cancer. In the wake of her death, reflections on her life and career were mixed. Some viewed her as a charlatan who exploited vulnerable people, while others saw her as a talented performer caught up in a larger fraudulent enterprise. Regardless of one's perspective, the story of Miss Cleo serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of deception and the consequences of mixing entertainment with exploitation.

Conclusion

The rise and fall of Miss Cleo is a complex narrative that intertwines elements of performance, deception, and media influence. From her meteoric rise as a beloved TV psychic to her dramatic fall amid allegations of fraud, Miss Cleo's story is a compelling example of how quickly public perception can shift. Her legacy, marked by both notoriety and nostalgia, continues to be a topic of fascination and caution in the realm of pop culture and beyond.

Sources:

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2002/11/miss-cleo-promoters-forgive-approximately-500-million-outstanding-consumer-charges-pay-additional-5-million-settle-ftc-charges

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2002/02/ftc-charges-miss-cleo-promoters-deceptive-advertising-billing-collection-practices

The Mechanics Behind Seance Room Tricks: A Skeptical Examination

By Jon Donnis

The seance room has long been a place of intrigue and mystery, where spiritualist mediums claim to bridge the gap between the living and the dead. Despite the dramatic and often convincing displays of supernatural phenomena, a skeptical examination reveals a range of tricks and illusions that explain these occurrences without invoking the paranormal. This article will explore some of the common techniques used by mediums to create the illusion of spirit activity, such as making spirit trumpets fly, manifesting apparitions, and creating the effect of disembodied hands.

Spirit Trumpets and Levitation

Spirit trumpets are cone-shaped devices purportedly used by spirits to amplify their voices during seances. Mediums often claim that these trumpets levitate and move around the room on their own, guided by supernatural forces. However, the mechanics behind this phenomenon can be explained through sleight of hand and simple physical principles.

Invisible Threads and Extendable Rods: Mediums often use fine, nearly invisible threads or wires to control the movement of the trumpets. These threads can be attached to the trumpet and manipulated by the medium or an accomplice to create the illusion of levitation. The threads are typically made from materials like nylon, which are difficult to see in low light conditions. Sometimes however it is even easier than that, a simple extending rod, connected to the "Trumpet", can make the Trumpet appear to fly high to the ceiling, and at fast speeds, in a pitch black or near pitch black environment, the Trump will have glow in the dark tape attached to it, which further enhances the illusion. 

Darkness and Misdirection: Seances are typically held in dimly lit if not completely pitch black rooms, which makes it easier to conceal the use of threads or other mechanical devices. The darkness also allows the medium to use misdirection to distract participants' attention away from the true source of the movement.

Mechanical Devices: In some cases, mediums use specially designed trumpets with hidden mechanisms, such as springs or small motors, to create movement and sound. These devices can be activated remotely or through subtle manipulations by the medium.

Apparitions and Manifestations

The appearance of ghostly figures and apparitions is one of the most dramatic elements of a seance. While these manifestations can be highly convincing, they are often the result of clever stagecraft and illusion.

Pepper's Ghost: A classic theatrical illusion known as Pepper's Ghost involves projecting an image onto a transparent screen, creating the appearance of a ghostly figure. This technique can be adapted for use in a seance room, with hidden mirrors and light sources projecting an image of a supposed spirit, although in the modern era this is quiet a rare trick.

Costumes and Props: Mediums or their accomplices may don costumes and use props to create the appearance of a ghost. They may enter the room silently and position themselves in a way that makes them appear to materialize out of thin air. The dim lighting and participants' heightened suggestibility make it easier to pull off this illusion.

Smoke and Mirrors: Using smoke or fog to obscure parts of the room can enhance the illusion of an apparition. Mirrors strategically placed around the room can reflect light and images in ways that make it difficult for participants to discern what they are actually seeing.

Disembodied Hands and Touches

The sensation of being touched by invisible hands or seeing disembodied hands moving objects is another common feature of seances. These effects are typically achieved through physical manipulation and sleight of hand.

Accomplices: Hidden accomplices can be positioned around the room to touch participants or move objects. These individuals are often seated in places where they can easily reach out without being seen, taking advantage of the darkness and participants' focus on the medium.

Fake Hands: Mediums may use fake hands or gloves filled with a lightweight material to create the illusion of disembodied hands. These props can be moved using invisible threads or by the medium's own hands, concealed under a table or behind a curtain.

Psychological Suggestion: The power of suggestion plays a significant role in creating the sensation of being touched by invisible hands. Participants in a seance are often highly suggestible and primed to believe in supernatural phenomena. The medium can exploit this by subtly suggesting that a spirit is present and will touch someone, causing participants to interpret any light touch or breeze as a ghostly encounter.

The Psychic Escape:

One popular seance trick involves the medium being tied to a chair and placed behind a screen or curtain, sometimes this is done to convince the people present that the medium is not the one creating the movement of the spirit trumpet, or manipulating other effects, sometimes the escaping of the bonds and "matter through matter" is done to convince people the psychic has certain powers. Here's a look at some of the techniques that may be used to achieve this illusion.

1. Preparation of the Bonds

The ropes or bindings used to secure the medium are often prepared in advance with subtle modifications. These can include:

Slip Knots: Knots that appear secure but can be easily undone with a quick pull.

Hidden Loops: Extra loops or slack hidden within the bindings that allow the medium to free themselves with minimal effort.

Gimmicked Ropes: Special ropes with internal mechanisms or elastic properties that make them appear tight but can be stretched or manipulated easily.

2. Sleight of Hand and Misdirection

Magicians and mediums alike rely on misdirection to draw attention away from their escape methods. During a seance, the room's lighting, the medium's assistants, or even sudden noises can serve as distractions.

Assistant's Role: An accomplice might create a diversion at a critical moment, allowing the medium to slip free unnoticed.

Subtle Movements: The medium might use small, inconspicuous movements to gradually loosen their bonds without attracting attention.

3. Hidden Tools and Gadgets

Mediums often have access to concealed tools that aid in their escape.

Concealed Keys or Blades: Small, hidden cutting tools or keys can be used to free themselves from handcuffs or ropes.

Fake Chairs or Screens: Specially constructed chairs or screens with hidden openings or compartments can facilitate a quick escape. Ever wondered why the medium likes to sit on an old wooden arm chair? Those arms come loose you know!

4. Manipulating the Environment

The seance room itself is often arranged to support the medium's illusion.

Controlled Lighting: Dim lighting or strategically placed candles create shadows and reduce visibility, making it easier for the medium to move unnoticed.

Sound Effects: The use of sudden noises or music can mask the sounds of the medium's movements.

Conclusion

While the phenomena witnessed in seance rooms can be captivating and convincing, a skeptical examination reveals that these effects are typically the result of clever tricks and illusions. By understanding the techniques used by mediums, we can appreciate the skill and ingenuity involved in creating these supernatural experiences, while also recognizing that they are firmly rooted in the realm of human ingenuity rather than the supernatural.

Harry Houdini: The Magician Who Exposed Psychics and Mediums

By Jon Donnis

Harry Houdini, born Erik Weisz on March 24, 1874, was a Hungarian-born American illusionist and stunt performer, widely known for his sensational escape acts. While Houdini's contributions to the world of magic are well-celebrated, his fervent crusade against psychics and mediums, particularly those claiming to communicate with the dead, remains a remarkable facet of his life.

Early Life and Rise to Fame

Houdini was born in Budapest, Hungary, and later immigrated with his family to the United States, where they settled in Appleton, Wisconsin. Showing a keen interest in magic from an early age, he began performing professionally in the 1890s. His unparalleled skills and innovative escape acts quickly garnered attention, making him one of the most famous magicians of his time.

The Shift from Performer to Skeptic

In the early 1920s, Houdini shifted his focus from performing to debunking fraudulent spiritualists. This transformation was partly motivated by personal grief. Houdini's beloved mother, Cecilia Weisz, passed away in 1913, and he was deeply affected by her death. Despite his hopes of communicating with her, he found that many mediums were exploiting the bereaved for financial gain. This realization ignited a passionate mission to expose their deceit.

Watch In Search Of Houdini's Secrets ... With Leonard Nimoy (1981)

The Rise of Spiritualism

The early 20th century saw a surge in the popularity of spiritualism, a religious movement based on the belief that spirits of the dead can communicate with the living. This period was rife with seances and mediums who claimed to bridge the gap between the earthly and the supernatural. Many of these mediums employed various tricks to simulate ghostly encounters, such as hidden accomplices, special effects, and sleight of hand.

Houdini's Investigative Methods

Houdini approached his investigation into spiritualism with the same meticulousness and dedication that characterized his magic career. He attended seances incognito, often disguising himself to blend in with the participants. Armed with his knowledge of magic and illusion, he was able to decipher the fraudulent techniques employed by mediums.

Exposing Tricks: Houdini exposed numerous mediums by replicating their so-called supernatural feats using mundane methods. For instance, he demonstrated how mediums used concealed wires, hidden chambers, and ventriloquism to create the illusion of ghostly presences.

Public Demonstrations: He held public demonstrations to reveal the tricks used by mediums, thereby educating the public about how easily they could be deceived. These demonstrations often attracted large audiences and media attention, amplifying his message.

Writing and Lecturing: Houdini also wrote extensively on the subject. His book "A Magician Among the Spirits" (1924) detailed his encounters with fraudulent mediums and his methods for exposing them. Additionally, he lectured widely, sharing his findings with both the public and law enforcement agencies.

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Notable Cases

One of Houdini's most famous debunking efforts was against Mina Crandon, known as "Margery," a popular medium of the time. Margery claimed to communicate with her deceased brother, and her seances were attended by many influential people. Houdini attended her seances and demonstrated how her supposed manifestations of the spirit were achieved through trickery, such as the use of hidden tools and accomplices.

Source: "Margery" the Medium, Small, Maynard & Company, 1925.

The Scientific American Contest

In 1923, Scientific American magazine offered a cash prize to any medium who could produce a supernatural phenomenon under controlled conditions. Houdini was one of the judges. Despite numerous attempts, no medium was able to claim the prize, thanks largely to Houdini's expertise in detecting fraud.

Legacy

Houdini's crusade against spiritualism left an indelible mark on the movement. His efforts helped to diminish the credibility of many fraudulent mediums and raised public awareness about the ease with which people could be deceived. While his primary legacy remains his incredible feats as a magician and escape artist, his work in exposing charlatans played a crucial role in protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation.

Houdini's battle against spiritualism also established a legacy of skepticism and critical thinking that continues to influence modern approaches to paranormal claims. His dedication to the truth, even in the face of widespread belief in spiritualism, exemplifies the importance of questioning and investigating extraordinary claims with rigor and integrity.

Harry Houdini was not just a master of illusion and escape; he was also a fierce advocate for truth and a defender of the gullible. His relentless campaign against fraudulent psychics and mediums showcased his commitment to debunking deceit and protecting the public from exploitation. In doing so, Houdini transcended his role as a performer and became a pivotal figure in the history of skepticism and critical inquiry.

Check out more of Harry's books and writings at https://amzn.to/3xoYx07