Scammer claimed to double value of money, jewelry by blessing it, Merced police say
A suspect wanted by Merced police for several felony grand theft related charges stemming from a “psychic scam” has been tied to similar crimes in Sacramento.
Perlita Afanacio Ballester, 29, is accused of claiming to have the ability to bless money and jewelry so that it would increase in value, according to a Merced police news release.
The Merced police investigation began April 27 after multiple cases of victims having money fraudulently taken from them were reported.
Victims said they met with an unknown woman, allegedly Ballester, after hearing radio advertisements where a woman offered healing and counseling services, police said.
Detective Sgt. Reynaldo Alvarez said Ballester seemed to be targeting the Hispanic community. The advertisements were posted to Spanish radio stations, he said.
Ballester allegedly told victims she could bless their money and jewelry overnight and return it to them later for double the value.
After making those claims, she would then disappear. Police say Merced victims lost over $80,000 in cash and $30,000 in jewelry.
Alvarez said 11 individuals were victimized in Merced. Each incident occurred close to when the investigation began in April, with no related reports for some time now, he said.
After months of being unable to identify the alleged scammer, Merced Police Detective Jeremy Salyers learned of a similar case elsewhere in Northern California.
Police were then able to identify the suspect as Ballester.
At least 10 victims of fraud are believed to have been scammed by Ballester in south Natomas, a community in North Sacramento.
Sacramento police learned of the alleged fraud after responding to a call on the 1400 block of Helmsman Way in Natomas on Sept 22.
Ballester went by the name of Eva Maria during the scams, according to Sacramento Police.
The Sacramento Bee reported Feb. 6 that Ballester was arrested Jan. 28 in Orange County on grand theft and false impersonation charges.
Merced police say Ballester’s location is now unknown. Alvarez said she failed to show up to court for a pending case.
She is wanted in Merced for additional multiple felony charges.
This story was originally published February 27, 2020 at 3:38 PM.
