Apparently, Indian witch doctors are visiting New Zealand on “tourist or temporary work visas,” setting up shop, and conning locals out of a lot of money by pretending to have special powers. Even more, they’re offering 100% guarantees that their magic will protect people from things like money and marriage problems.

Pratima Nand, a resident who is rallying attention against these frauds, went undercover with a local news station to show how they work:

Ms Nand tells [the witch doctor] a false story of wanting to reunite with her husband after 17 years. She’s told 15 prayers will cost her $420. Ms Nand says she was given a small container and told to take it to the bank and put the money in it. “He said all the black magic will get trapped into this and then I give back to him with the money.” Six days later at her next visit, the healer tells her the black magic has grown so strong she’s told he must pray another nine times — but he will need more cash.

Just like John Edward and James Van Praagh claim to be able to connect with your dead loved ones, these “doctors” see the desperation of those who visit them and manipulate their emotions to con them out of as much money as possible. It’s a disgusting game.

If anyone is caught taking money in this fashion, their visas would be revoked — as they should be. Immigration New Zealand says such an investigation is currently underway, spurred by a report on 3 News.

(Thanks to Sakura for the link)



