Police: Hingham psychic tricked elderly woman

HINGHAM, Mass. (WHDH) -- A self-professed psychic tricked an elderly woman into paying her thousands of dollars or something bad would happen to the woman’s family, according to police.

“[The 69-year-old victim has] been going through a tough time,” said assistant District Attorney, Alexander Zane. “Her father had recently passed away. Additionally, I believe they had to place her mother in a nursing home and because of that she said she had to see a psychic.”

Tiffany Smith, 24, was arrested. She was allegedly working as a psychic named Sophie. Police said Smith told the victim she had a black cloud over her head and her daughter would commit suicide unless she paid $16,000.

Police said the victim wrote Smith a check for $7,000 and gave her an antique ring. Police said Smith wanted more.

“Again, she just kept insisting several times that her daughter’s life should be worth $16,000 so if she didn’t get that she would kill herself. She also took out a bag and threw a red substance on her door saying that would be her daughter’s blood,” Zane said.

The victim’s son-in-law went to police, who then arrested Smith at her shop, where she also lives.

Prosecutors said this isn’t the first time Smith has done something like this. Smith allegedly tricked a mentally handicapped child in Lakeville. Defense attorneys say most of those charges were dismissed.

Smith entered a not-guilty plea in court. Her bail was set at $1,500.

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