An American woman, Marianne Smyth, has been accused of perpetrating a series of scams across the United States by posing as an Irish heiress, a psychic, and a close friend of a movie star. Smyth, 54, is currently in a Maine jail awaiting an extradition hearing to the United Kingdom over a scam dating back more than 15 years in Northern Ireland.
Legal documents reveal that Smyth is alleged to have stolen over $170,000 from at least five victims in Northern Ireland between 2008 and 2010. Arrest warrants were issued for her in 2021, and she was apprehended last month in Maine.
Described as a 'master of disguise,' Smyth reportedly tailored her scams to each victim, claiming she needed money for various reasons such as frozen bank accounts or bail. She convinced individuals that she was due to inherit $7 million from her wealthy Irish family, using this story to extract funds from unsuspecting victims.
Victims recounted instances where Smyth manipulated their vulnerabilities, obtaining personal information and bank account details. One victim, a reality television producer, detailed how Smyth defrauded him of nearly $100,000 through a web of lies and deceit.
Reports indicate that Smyth's schemes extended from California to New York, with victims sharing accounts of a fake charity for Ukraine, claims of being an emissary for Satan, and various false identities she assumed to carry out her scams.
Despite not losing money to Smyth, a production company owner shared her encounter with Smyth, who posed as a cancer patient and promised a substantial inheritance. Smyth's elaborate fabrications included forged emails from celebrities and invitations to prestigious events, all part of her intricate web of deception.
In Northern Ireland, Smyth is accused of promising to invest money for victims and selling a home without following through on the agreement. She currently remains in jail pending the extradition hearing scheduled for April 17.
Victims have come forward with accounts of Smyth's manipulative tactics, highlighting her ability to exploit vulnerabilities and fabricate elaborate stories to defraud individuals. Smyth's arrest has shed light on the extent of her fraudulent activities, leaving a trail of victims in her wake.
