Convicted Scammer, Accused 'Psychic' and Irish Heiress Imposter Faces Extradition to UK

Image: (Johnathan Walton - AP)

By Jon Donnis

A woman accused of orchestrating a multi-state scam under the guise of an Irish heiress and purported psychic abilities is slated for a crucial court appearance on Wednesday. Marianne Smyth, a 54-year-old American, faces potential extradition to the United Kingdom where she is alleged to have defrauded victims of over $170,000 between 2008 and 2010.

Smyth's saga took a new turn after her arrest in February in Maine, following years of eluding authorities. Her legal woes trace back to accusations of pilfering funds promised for investments and fraudulent real estate transactions in Northern Ireland. Legal documents reveal that arrest warrants were issued in 2021, leading to her eventual apprehension earlier this year. Currently detained at Piscataquis County Jail in Dover-Foxcroft, Smyth awaits her fate as legal proceedings unfold.

Represented by attorney Kaylee Folster, Smyth maintains her innocence, prompting a call for a hearing to address the charges against her. Neither Smyth nor her legal counsel offered comments regarding the ongoing case.

Echoing the infamous tale of Anna Sorokin, better known as the "Soho Grifter," Smyth's alleged deception entangled unsuspecting individuals across the United States. Notable among her victims is Johnathan Walton, who, spurred by his own experience, initiated the "Queen of the Con" podcast to alert others about Smyth's fraudulent activities. Smyth's modus operandi allegedly involved exploiting vulnerabilities and fabricating elaborate narratives to dupe her victims into parting with substantial sums of money.

Listen to Episode one on iTunes at https://apple.co/3JjDG0u

The podcast, "Queen of the Con," has served as a platform for numerous victims to share their encounters with Smyth, unveiling a pattern of deceit that spans from coast to coast. Heather Sladinski, a costume designer from Los Angeles, recounts being swindled out of $20,000 for purported psychic readings and dubious life coaching sessions. Smyth's repertoire allegedly included outlandish rituals and promises, leaving her victims disillusioned and financially depleted.

Smyth's purported aliases and chameleon-like behavior, coupled with her extravagant claims, have left a trail of devastation in her wake. From feigned associations with celebrities to fabricating charitable endeavors, Smyth's web of lies ensnared individuals from all walks of life.

As Smyth's extradition hearing looms, the prospect of justice for her alleged victims draws nearer. Yet, the enduring legacy of her deceit serves as a cautionary tale against the perils of misplaced trust and the allure of grandiose promises.

Season 1: The Irish Heiress

Marianne "Mair" Smyth is a new neighbor from Ireland with a $30 million inheritance coming to her any day. She's dating a  Los Angeles politician and working as a psychic for A-list celebrities like Jennifer Aniston.  But in reality, she's a professional con artist using witchcraft, confidence tricks and dating apps to scam hundreds of thousands from dozens of unsuspecting victims all over the world.   And that's only the beginning...   # queen of the con mair smyth marianne smyth

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

For bonus content follow on Instagram @QueenOfTheCon

Canadian Man Sentenced to 10 Years for $175M Psychic Mass-Mailing Fraud Scheme

Image: (Patrice Runner Source: CNN)

By Jon Donnis

Scheme Defrauded Over 1.3 Million Victims in the United States

In a significant legal development, a Canadian man, Patrice Runner, 57, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for orchestrating a massive psychic mass-mailing fraud scheme that pilfered over $175 million from more than 1.3 million victims in the United States. The sentencing, which took place Monday, April 15th, 2024 in the Eastern District of New York, follows a two-week trial that ended with Runner's conviction in June 2023.

Runner, a Canadian and French citizen, was found guilty of several charges, including conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, as well as multiple counts of mail fraud and wire fraud. The scheme, operational from 1994 to November 2014, preyed on vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly, through a barrage of personalized letters purportedly from well-known "psychics" Maria Duval and Patrick Guerin. These letters promised recipients wealth and happiness in exchange for a fee.

Despite the personalized nature of the letters, investigations revealed that they were essentially identical form letters sent en masse to tens of thousands of victims weekly. Runner, along with his accomplices, obtained names of susceptible victims by trading mailing lists with other fraudulent schemes. Contrary to the promises made in the letters, neither Duval nor Guerin were involved in sending them, nor did they receive responses or send additional letters after victims made payments.

Runner managed the entire operation throughout its two-decade span, directing his co-conspirators who operated the scheme through a Canadian company. To conceal his involvement, Runner utilized a network of shell companies registered in Canada and Hong Kong while residing in various foreign countries.

Spanish authorities facilitated Runner's extradition to the United States in December 2020, leading to his federal charges and subsequent conviction.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton emphasized the collaborative effort involved in bringing Runner to justice, acknowledging the assistance provided by various international agencies and the Canadian Competition Bureau.

Inspector in Charge Chris Nielsen of the US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Philadelphia Division condemned Runner's actions, highlighting the exploitation of vulnerable Americans and affirming the commitment of Postal Inspectors to combat such predatory schemes.

Four other co-conspirators, Maria Thanos, Philip Lett, Sherry Gore, and Daniel Arnold, had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud in connection with the scheme.

The investigation was led by USPIS, with prosecution handled by the Civil Division's Consumer Protection Branch. The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs played a crucial role in securing Runner's extradition.

The US Department of Justice issued a warning to the public, urging vigilance against fraudulent schemes, particularly those involving psychic, lottery, prize notification, and sweepstakes scams. Individuals who suspect elder fraud are encouraged to contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline for assistance and support.

For more information and resources on combating elder fraud, individuals are directed to visit the Justice Department's Elder Justice Initiative webpage and the Consumer Protection Branch's enforcement efforts page.

Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. (United States Only)

The sentencing of Patrice Runner marks a significant milestone in the fight against transnational fraud, underscoring the commitment of law enforcement agencies to safeguarding vulnerable individuals from financial exploitation.

Mayor of Agde Arrested for Corruption Scheme Involving Clairvoyant

Image: (Gilles d'Ettore, Mayor of Agde - Twitter)

By Jon Donnis

The idyllic town of Agde, nestled in the picturesque southern region of France, has found itself embroiled in a scandal that sounds straight out of a mystery novel. Gilles d'Ettore, the mayor of Agde, was arrested and accused of corruption after falling prey to a bizarre scheme orchestrated by a local self-proclaimed clairvoyant.

The shocking revelation came to light when authorities uncovered a web of deceit spun by a 44-year-old woman who purported to possess supernatural abilities. Describing herself as a clairvoyant, medium, and healer, she allegedly manipulated her voice to mimic that of a "supernatural force" during phone calls to Mayor d'Ettore and several other prominent individuals in the community.

According to reports from the Béziers prosecutor's office, Mayor d'Ettore, along with some of his family members and close friends, received calls from the woman, during which she used a masculine-sounding, calm, and husky voice to create an illusion of communicating with a supernatural entity. This ruse led Mayor d'Ettore to believe in her purported abilities, ultimately resulting in him granting her numerous favours.

One of the favours included hiring five members of the woman's family and close acquaintances to work for him, with her husband securing a position as the technical service director at the Agde mairie (city hall of Agde). The mayor's trust in the clairvoyant was so profound that he considered her to be like a daughter until evidence shattered the illusion.

The unraveling of the scheme began when investigators presented Mayor d'Ettore with a video demonstrating the woman's voice manipulation tactics. It was at this moment that the mayor realized he had fallen victim to a well-orchestrated scam. Despite acknowledging his gullibility, Mayor d'Ettore has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

The fallout from this scandal has not been limited to Mayor d'Ettore alone. The clairvoyant, along with her husband, who holds a significant position within the Agde mairie, have also been implicated in the corruption probe. Both individuals have been detained and questioned, facing allegations of deliberate deception and corruption.

The investigation into this intricate web of deceit began in October 2023 and has since escalated, with the Béziers public prosecutor's office initiating criminal proceedings against multiple parties. As the investigation continues to unfold, the scandal has cast a shadow over the tranquil town of Agde, leaving its residents bewildered by the extraordinary turn of events.

Self Proclaimed "Ex-CIA" Psychic Major Ed Dames Claims on Missing Toddler's Discovery Challenged

Image: (Major Ed Dames - Amazon)

By Jon Donnis

In a case that has gripped France, the discovery of the remains of missing toddler Emile Soleil has taken a perplexing turn, with doubts now cast upon the claims made by Major Ed Dames, a former CIA psychic. Emile Soleil, a two-year-old who vanished without a trace from the French Alpine hamlet of Le Vernet last July, saw an unexpected breakthrough this Easter weekend when his remains were unearthed in a field, reigniting speculation and prompting a reexamination of the investigation.

French toddler Emile Soleil

Major Ed Dames, 74, emerged into the spotlight after asserting that he identified the location where Emile Soleil's body was found using a clairvoyant technique known as "remote viewing." Dames, who claims he was part of a clandestine US espionage project that later inspired the movie "The Men Who Stare At Goats," claims to have honed his psychic detective skills during his tenure with the joint CIA and Army Psychic Intelligence Unit.

Often when there is a missing child, psychics will come forward and make various claims, often without real evidence, usually as a way to gain attention for themselves.

Make sure to read Flim-Flam!: Psychics, ESP, Unicorns, and Other Delusions by James Randi - https://amzn.to/3U0VdAz as a way to educate yourself on all such maters.

According to reports, Dames sent emails to local authorities in December pinpointing the area where he believed the toddler's remains would be found. However, questions have emerged regarding the reliability and veracity of his claims, particularly in light of the circumstances surrounding the discovery of Emile's remains.

The revelation that Emile's bones were found in a field that had previously been searched by law enforcement shortly after his disappearance raises suspicions about the timing and manner of their placement. Mayor François Balique of Le Vernet speculated that the remains may have been moved back to the site, a theory supported by sources close to the investigation.

The discovery of only a single part of the body, the skull, further complicates the matter and raises doubts about the possibility of natural causes such as animal interference. While drones and sniffer dogs scour the countryside for additional evidence, investigators are faced with the daunting task of unraveling the mystery surrounding Emile Soleil's disappearance and death.

Despite the claims made by Major Ed Dames, skepticism persists regarding the efficacy of remote viewing and psychic abilities in solving criminal cases. The history of "remote viewing" traces back to various government initiatives, including the CIA's Stargate Project, which aimed to investigate the potential applications of extrasensory perception for intelligence gathering.

However, critics argue that the scientific basis for remote viewing remains dubious at best, with many attributing perceived successes to chance or selective interpretation of data. Rational explanations, such as cognitive biases and subconscious cues, offer alternative perspectives on seemingly inexplicable phenomena attributed to psychic abilities.

As the investigation into Emile Soleil's tragic fate continues, the role of psychic detectives like Major Ed Dames raises important questions about the intersection of belief, science, and justice. While some may find solace in unconventional methods, others emphasize the importance of evidence-based approaches in solving complex criminal cases. In the pursuit of truth and justice, discerning fact from fiction remains paramount.

The Charlatan Unveiled: When James Hydrick's Psychic Scam Was Exposed by James Randi

By Jon Donnis

In the murky realm of supernatural claims, few names evoke as much controversy and skepticism as that of James Hydrick. Once hailed as a psychic prodigy with telekinetic powers, Hydrick's purported abilities captured the fascination of the masses in the late 1970s and early 1980s. However, his rise to fame was not without its shadows, as doubts and suspicions swirled around the authenticity of his feats. Ultimately, it was the relentless pursuit of truth by skeptic and magician James Randi that unraveled the elaborate deception surrounding Hydrick's supposed supernatural talents.

Hydrick burst into the public eye in the late 1970s, claiming to possess the ability to move objects using only the power of his mind. His demonstrations, which allegedly showcased his telekinetic prowess, captivated audiences and garnered widespread media attention. With each seemingly inexplicable movement of pencils and other small objects, Hydrick cultivated an aura of mystique around himself, drawing in believers and skeptics alike.

However, as the saying goes, "extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence," and Hydrick's claims were no exception. Skeptics soon began to scrutinize his performances, noting inconsistencies and suspicious behavior. Despite Hydrick's attempts to shield his demonstrations from close examination, doubts continued to mount, casting a shadow of doubt over his supposed powers.

Enter James Randi, a renowned skeptic and magician known for his relentless pursuit of exposing frauds and charlatans masquerading as supernatural beings. Randi took a keen interest in Hydrick's case, recognizing it as an opportunity to put his skepticism to the test and uncover the truth behind the mystique.

Randi devised a series of tests designed to eliminate any possibility of trickery or sleight of hand in Hydrick's demonstrations. These tests were conducted under controlled conditions, with Randi and other independent observers closely scrutinizing every aspect of Hydrick's performances.

What ensued was a dramatic confrontation between skeptic and alleged psychic, as Hydrick's abilities crumbled under the weight of scientific scrutiny. Despite his initial bravado, Hydrick faltered under the controlled conditions of Randi's tests, failing to replicate his supposed telekinetic feats under close observation.

As the evidence against him mounted, Hydrick's facade began to unravel, exposing him as nothing more than a skilled manipulator and charlatan. Randi's relentless pursuit of truth had shattered the illusion surrounding Hydrick's supposed powers, laying bare the deception that had captivated the public for so long.

In the aftermath of his exposure, Hydrick faded into obscurity, his once-promising career as a psychic prodigy tarnished by scandal and deceit. The tale of James Hydrick serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of blind faith and the importance of skepticism in the face of extraordinary claims. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of skeptics like James Randi, the truth will always have a way of prevailing in the end.

Watch the videos below from James Randi's Solved Mysteries Workshop.

Part 1

Part 2

Exposing the "Seatbelt Psychic": The Unveiling of Thomas John in Operation Pizza Roll

Image: (Susan Gerbic, Thomas John, Mark Edward, - skepticalinquirer.org)

By Jon Donnis

Time to revisit "Operation Pizza Roll" 7 years after the event. 17 Minute documentary at the bottom of the article if you want to scroll down to watch.

In the world of psychic phenomena, Thomas John gained notoriety as the "Seatbelt Psychic" for his purported ability to communicate with the deceased and offer insights into the future. However, his rise to fame was met with skepticism from some corners, leading to an intricate investigation by skeptics Susan Gerbic and Mark Edward. Their meticulous efforts, dubbed "Operation Pizza Roll," ultimately uncovered evidence suggesting that Thomas John's abilities were not as supernatural as he claimed.

The Rise of Thomas John:

Thomas John, born Thomas John Flanagan, gained prominence in the psychic community for his alleged gift of mediumship. He claimed to have the ability to connect with spirits of the deceased and deliver messages from the afterlife to his clients. His charisma and purported accuracy in readings garnered him a substantial following, with appearances on television shows and high-profile events enhancing his reputation as a psychic medium.

Operation Pizza Roll:

Skeptical of Thomas John's claims, Susan Gerbic and Mark Edward initiated Operation Pizza Roll in an attempt to scrutinize the authenticity of his psychic abilities. The operation, named humorously after Gerbic's fondness for pizza rolls, aimed to conduct undercover investigations into various mediums and psychics to uncover any fraudulent practices.

"Gerbic and Edward attended John's show using aliases, and John "read" them as a married couple. During the entire reading, John failed to determine the actual identities of Gerbic and Edward, or that they were deceptive during his reading. All personal information he gave them matched what was on their falsified Facebook accounts, rather than being about their actual lives." - Wikipedia Thomas John

Unveiling the Deception:

Gerbic and Edward employed a multi-faceted approach to expose Thomas John's alleged fraudulence. They utilized a combination of online research, undercover investigations, and critical analysis of his performances to reveal inconsistencies and potential methods of deception.

Online Research: Gerbic and Edward delved into Thomas John's background, examining his public statements, media appearances, and testimonials from clients. They sought to identify patterns or discrepancies in his claims that could indicate deception or manipulation.

Undercover Investigations: As part of Operation Pizza Roll, Gerbic and Edward attended Thomas John's live performances and private readings incognito. They observed his techniques, interactions with clients, and the accuracy of his readings to assess the validity of his psychic abilities firsthand.

Critical Analysis: Gerbic and Edward applied their expertise in skepticism and deception detection to analyze Thomas John's methods. They scrutinized his use of cold reading techniques, vague statements, and psychological manipulation tactics to uncover potential strategies for simulating psychic phenomena.

Exposing the Truth:

Through their exhaustive investigation, Gerbic and Edward amassed compelling evidence suggesting that Thomas John's claims of psychic ability were fraudulent. They documented instances of cold reading, vague statements, and reliance on cues from clients to construct seemingly accurate readings. Additionally, they uncovered inconsistencies in Thomas John's public statements and testimonials, casting doubt on the authenticity of his purported abilities.

Impact and Legacy:

The revelation of Thomas John's alleged fraudulence in Operation Pizza Roll sparked widespread discussion and debate within the psychic community and among the general public. It served as a reminder of the importance of skepticism and critical thinking when evaluating extraordinary claims, particularly in the realm of psychic phenomena.

While Thomas John's reputation may have been tarnished by the exposure, Operation Pizza Roll highlighted the significance of rigorous investigation and scrutiny in uncovering deception and promoting a greater understanding of the limitations of purported psychic abilities.

Documentary:

Footnotes and Further Reading:

Gerbic, Susan, and Mark Edward. "Operation Pizza Roll: Exposing Thomas John, the Seatbelt Psychic." Skeptical Inquirer, vol. 42, no. 4, 2018, pp. 28-33. - https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/operation-pizza-roll-thomas-john/

Hyman, Ray. "Cold Reading: How to Convince Strangers That You Know All About Them." The Skeptical Inquirer, vol. 26, no. 2, 2002, pp. 42-46.

Wilson, Ian. "The Psychology of Spiritualism: Science and Seances." The Skeptic, vol. 21, no. 3, 2018, pp. 22-27.

Inside the Secret Sting Operations to Expose Celebrity Psychics.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/26/magazine/psychics-skeptics-facebook.html

Viktiga element för framgångsrik webbutveckling: Från planering till lansering

Att skapa en framgångsrik webbplats kräver en genomtänkt och strukturerad process, från de initiala planeringsstegen till den slutliga lanseringen och därefter. Genom att följa några nyckelelement i webbutvecklingsprocessen kan du säkerställa att din webbplats inte bara ser bra ut utan också fungerar effektivt för att uppnå dina affärsmål.

Planering och kravspecifikation: Den första och viktigaste steget i webbutvecklingsprocessen är att tydligt definiera dina mål och behov. Detta inkluderar att fastställa målgruppen för din webbplats, identifiera vilka funktioner och funktionalitet som behövs, samt skapa en tydlig kravspecifikation för att styra utvecklingen.

Design och användarupplevelse: En viktig del av webbutvecklingen är att skapa en attraktiv och användarvänlig design. Detta innefattar att välja rätt färgschema, typsnitt och layout som passar din målgrupp och varumärkesidentitet. På polarcomfort.se kan du också hitta vinbord för att komplettera din inomhusmiljö och skapa en enhetlig estetik.

Utveckling och kodning: När designen är fastställd går utvecklingen av webbplatsen igång. Detta innefattar att skriva koden som driver webbplatsen och implementera de önskade funktionerna och funktionaliteterna. En välstrukturerad och lättläst kod är avgörande för att säkerställa att webbplatsen är stabil och presterar bra på olika enheter och webbläsare.

Testning och kvalitetssäkring: Innan lanseringen är det viktigt att noggrant testa webbplatsen för att upptäcka och åtgärda eventuella buggar eller fel. Detta inkluderar att testa webbplatsens funktionalitet, responsivitet och användarupplevelse på olika enheter och plattformar för att säkerställa en konsekvent och tillfredsställande upplevelse för alla användare.

Lansering och marknadsföring: Slutligen är det dags att lansera din webbplats för allmänheten. Detta innefattar att överföra webbplatsen till den valda värdplattformen och göra den tillgänglig för besökare. Efter lanseringen är det viktigt att marknadsföra din webbplats för att öka medvetenheten och locka trafik. På polarcomfort.se hittar du också ett brett utbud av mustang grill för att förbättra din utomhusmatlagningsupplevelse.

Slutsats: Att skapa och lansera en framgångsrik webbplats kräver noggrann planering, design, utveckling och testning. Genom att följa de nyckelelement som nämns ovan kan du säkerställa att din webbplats inte bara uppfyller dina affärsmål utan också ger en engagerande och användarvänlig upplevelse för dina besökare. Besök polarcomfort.se idag för att utforska vårt sortiment av vinbord och andra produkter för att komplettera din inomhus- och utomhusmiljö. Klicka här för att bläddra i vår produktkatalog och hitta de bästa tillbehören för dig!

Exposing the Truth: A Skeptical Biography of Spiritualist Medium Helen Duncan

Image: (Wikipedia)

By Jon Donnis

Helen Duncan, a controversial figure in the world of spiritualism, gained notoriety for her claims of communicating with the dead during séances. Born in 1897 in Scotland, Duncan rose to prominence in the mid-20th century as a purported medium, attracting believers and skeptics alike with her supposed ability to summon spirits from the beyond.

Duncan's séances often involved theatrical performances, complete with eerie voices, floating objects, and other supernatural phenomena. Her ability to provide personal information about deceased loved ones convinced many of her authenticity, leading to a devoted following among those seeking solace and closure.

However, skepticism surrounding Duncan's activities soon emerged. Critics accused her of employing simple tricks and deception to dupe her gullible audience. Despite numerous attempts to debunk her claims, Duncan continued to hold séances, exploiting the grief of vulnerable individuals for personal gain.

The turning point came in 1944 when Duncan was arrested during a séance in Portsmouth, England. Authorities charged her with violating the archaic Witchcraft Act of 1735, which prohibited fraudulent spiritual practices. During the trial, evidence surfaced suggesting that Duncan's séances were nothing more than elaborate hoaxes designed to exploit the bereaved.

Image: (The Mirror Archive)

In a damning blow to her credibility, Duncan was exposed as a fraud when investigators discovered that she used a hidden cheesecloth to produce ectoplasm, a substance supposedly emanating from spirits. The revelation shattered the illusion of her supernatural abilities, leading to her conviction and imprisonment.

Despite her conviction, Duncan's supporters rallied behind her, launching a campaign to overturn the verdict and clear her name. They argued that she was unfairly persecuted for her beliefs and that the evidence against her was circumstantial. However, their efforts ultimately proved futile, and Duncan remained a convicted fraudster until her death in 1956.

In the annals of spiritualism, Helen Duncan remains a cautionary tale of the dangers of blind faith and the exploitation of the vulnerable. Her fall from grace serves as a reminder to approach claims of the supernatural with skepticism and scrutiny, lest we fall prey to charlatans seeking to profit from our deepest fears and desires.

Image: (Mary Evans Picture Library)

Unveiling the Mysteries: The Skeptical Biography of Sylvia Browne

By Jon Donnis

Sylvia Browne, a name often synonymous with the realm of psychic phenomena, gained both fame and notoriety throughout her lifetime. Born Sylvia Celeste Shoemaker on October 19, 1936, in Kansas City, Missouri, she rose to prominence as a self-proclaimed psychic medium, author, and television personality. However, behind the veil of mystique and purported psychic abilities lies a controversial figure whose career was marked by skepticism, criticism, and numerous instances of being exposed for her fraudulent practices.

Browne's journey into the world of psychic phenomena began in her early childhood, allegedly experiencing visions and prophetic dreams. She claimed to have inherited her psychic gifts from her maternal grandmother, who she asserted was also gifted with psychic abilities. Despite lacking any formal education or training in psychology or parapsychology, Browne embarked on a career as a professional psychic in her late twenties.

Throughout her career, Browne amassed a significant following, bolstered by appearances on popular television shows such as "The Montel Williams Show" and "Larry King Live." Her seemingly accurate predictions and purported ability to communicate with the deceased endeared her to many believers, who sought her guidance and insight into the mysteries of life and death.

However, Browne's rise to prominence was accompanied by a barrage of skepticism and criticism from skeptics, scientists, and rationalists who questioned the validity of her claims. One of the most prominent skeptics of Browne's purported abilities was James Randi, a renowned magician and skeptic who offered a cash prize of $1 million to anyone who could demonstrate genuine psychic powers under controlled scientific conditions. Despite Browne's initial interest in Randi's challenge, she ultimately failed to participate in the tests, citing various reasons, including health concerns and the negative energy surrounding the challenge.

Check out this list of James Randi's Books

Moreover, Browne's credibility took a significant hit when several of her high-profile predictions turned out to be false or inaccurate. One of the most notable examples occurred in 2002 when Browne appeared on "The Montel Williams Show" and informed the parents of missing teenager Shawn Hornbeck that their son was dead and his body could be found near two large jagged rocks. 

The following is the transcript of the exchange between Craig Akers (Shawn's stepfather) and Pam Akers (Shawn's mother) and Sylvia Browne:

CRAIG AKERS: Can you tell how far from the area he was taken?

SYLVIA BROWNE: Maybe about 20 miles.

CRAIG: And he's still within a 20-mile radius even now?

BROWNE: He's still within a 20-mile radius of -- let's say, here's where you are, 20-mile radius, but it's really southwest of where you are.

CRAIG: Southwest.

BROWNE: So whatever is southwest, because it looks like this is -- here we go again with the wooded, with the -- you know, the wooded areas. So southwest of you.

PAM AKERS: Is there any landmarks around?

BROWNE: Yeah. Strange enough, there are two jagged boulders, which look really misplaced. Because everything is trees, and then all of a sudden, you've got these stupid boulders sitting there.

MONTEL WILLIAMS: And he could be found near there?

BROWNE: He's near the boulders.

PAM: Is he still with us?

BROWNE: No.

CRAIG: Do you see the bicycle anywhere?

BROWNE: I think the -- see, here's what's strange. I think the--the--the bicycle is in another state in a dump.

However, Shawn Hornbeck was found alive more than four years later, and Browne's prediction was proven unequivocally false.

For more watch The Survival Story of Shawn Hornbeck and Ben Ownby. By Savannah Brymer.

Another instance that tarnished Browne's reputation occurred in 2004 when she incorrectly predicted the outcome of the presidential election, forecasting that John Kerry would win against incumbent President George W. Bush. Browne's erroneous prediction further fueled skepticism about her purported psychic abilities and raised questions about the reliability of her insights.

Furthermore, Browne faced allegations of exploitation and unethical behavior, particularly concerning her lucrative business ventures, including psychic readings, books, seminars, and merchandise. Critics accused Browne of preying on vulnerable individuals seeking solace and guidance, often charging exorbitant fees for her services and offering vague or generic predictions.

In addition to her failed predictions and allegations of exploitation, Browne's credibility suffered further blows when several of her past clients and associates came forward with allegations of deception and fraud. In 1992, she was sued by a former client who alleged that Browne had falsely claimed to communicate with her dead father and charged exorbitant fees for her services. Although Browne denied the allegations and the case was eventually settled out of court, it underscored concerns about the ethical practices within the psychic industry.

Despite facing numerous controversies and being exposed on multiple occasions, Browne remained defiant in defending her purported psychic abilities. She dismissed skeptics' criticisms as baseless and attributed her inaccuracies to the inherent uncertainties of psychic phenomena. Browne maintained a loyal following of believers who continued to seek her guidance and validation, seemingly unaffected by the mounting evidence against her.

However, Sylvia Browne's legacy remains deeply polarizing, with supporters hailing her as a gifted psychic and spiritual healer, while skeptics regard her as a charlatan and opportunist. Her career serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of uncritical belief and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals in the pursuit of profit and fame. Ultimately, Sylvia Browne's life and career are shrouded in controversy and skepticism, leaving behind a complex and contentious legacy that continues to divide opinions long after her passing in 2013.

Life Uncovered featuring fake psychic Chris Riley - Ben Zand investigates. FULL EPISODE

Ben Zand, known for his investigative approach and keen skepticism, takes on the enigmatic "psychic to the stars," Chris Riley. With a massive waiting list and a reputation for providing thousands of readings annually, Riley offers guidance on various facets of his clients' lives, including health, relationships, and glimpses into their past and future. Zand, renowned for his critical eye and journalistic integrity, sets out to test the claims of this social media sensation, delving into the intricacies of psychic phenomena and separating fact from fiction.