NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Hicksville, NY, July 20, 2025: A 33-year-old man from New York was arrested this month after allegedly scamming a 68-year-old woman out of tens of thousands of dollars in what police describe as a fortune-telling scheme disguised as spiritual guidance.
Hemanth Kumar Muneppa, an employee at an astrology and psychic business called “Anjana Ji” on South Broadway in Hicksville, has been charged with third-degree grand larceny, attempted grand larceny, and two counts of fortune-telling, a misdemeanor under New York law.
According to Nassau County police, the woman first visited the business on July 3 and was convinced to hand over $20,000 for spiritual cleansing services meant to remove “evil spirits” from her life. A few days later, Muneppa allegedly attempted to secure another $42,000 from the woman by accompanying her to a bank. But this time, a bank employee became suspicious and alerted authorities.
Police arrested Muneppa in the parking lot shortly thereafter. The second transaction was prevented.
“People are vulnerable when they’re emotionally distressed,” said Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder. “What we saw here was someone exploiting that vulnerability for financial gain.”
Fortune-telling for profit is illegal in New York State unless it is explicitly offered as entertainment. The law—rarely used—has been invoked in this case alongside more serious felony charges due to the amount of money involved.
Muneppa pleaded not guilty in court and has been released with an ankle monitor while awaiting further legal proceedings.
The business in question, “Anjana Ji,” advertises services such as palm reading, spiritual healing, and astrology consultations. Its Instagram page and online listings promote claims of “100% guaranteed results,” though police are now warning the public to be cautious when seeking such services.
“This is a textbook case of psychic fraud,” said a former NYPD detective familiar with similar cases. “It usually starts with a small fee and a promise to lift a curse or cleanse a spirit, then escalates to large sums of money.”
Law enforcement officials are urging any other potential victims to come forward and contact the Nassau County Police Department’s Second Squad.
Muneppa is due back in court later this month. His attorney has not made a public statement.
