Trust-related fraud has not been relegated to the past; it remains widespread in the 21st century. A common example involves “help” from self-proclaimed psychics or fortune-tellers who convince victims they are cursed and offer to remove the curse for a fee. They often intimidate victims with threats of dire consequences unless action is taken. Another frequent scheme involves diagnosing victims with false ailments and selling them fake remedies. These scams prey on the victims’ naivety and trust. Bob Nygaard, a private detective, specializes in uncovering such complex schemes in the U.S. Learn more about this local hero and his successful cases on queenski.com.
Career in Law Enforcement
Bob Nygaard was born in Queens and grew up in New Hyde Park on Long Island. As a student, he played baseball, basketball, and lacrosse. Inspired by his businessman father, Nygaard initially pursued entrepreneurship at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. However, in 1985, he decided to shift his focus to law enforcement, enrolling in the New York City Police Academy. That same year, he joined the NYPD’s Transit Division.
By 1987, Nygaard moved to street patrol and, four years later, began investigating home repair scams targeting seniors. His arrest of five individuals involved in such schemes fueled his interest in fraud investigations. Working on federal assignments and specialized investigative units, Nygaard developed expertise in unconventional scams, such as romance fraud (where perpetrators feign romantic interest to extort money) and insurance fraud.
Nygaard became particularly intrigued by scams that exploit victims’ fears and insecurities. These include convincing people they are cursed or in danger unless they purchase protective amulets or rituals. In 2007, Nygaard joined the National Association of Bunco Investigators (NABI), an organization dedicated to combating unconventional fraud.
Private Detective Career
After retiring early in 2008, Nygaard relocated to Florida, intending to relax after years of intense work. However, a chance encounter inspired him to launch a private detective career. At a bar, a woman shared her story of being scammed out of $12,000 by a psychic. Intrigued, Nygaard investigated and successfully helped her seek justice. This case marked the beginning of his new profession, focusing on helping victims recover their money and hold fraudsters accountable.
High-Profile Cases
“Meteorite Healing”
A woman named Megan once shared her story with Nygaard. After a breakup and battling depression, Megan met a psychic named Velvet, who claimed to see darkness surrounding her. Skeptical at first, Megan eventually visited Velvet’s associate, “psychic” Betty Vlado. Vlado manipulated Megan into parting with over $50,000 through a series of elaborate schemes, including purchasing two Rolex watches for a “curse reversal” ritual and a $14,500 “meteorite” for healing energy, which was later revealed to be a cheap piece of quartz.
Nygaard took on the case, and Vlado was sentenced to one year in prison in 2014.
“Cleansing Negative Energy”
In 2016, Natalie Miller convinced a Maryland woman that she was surrounded by bad energy and needed a spiritual cleansing. After extorting $82,000, Miller vanished. Nygaard identified Miller as Gina Marks, a well-known fraudster and author. Despite her attempts to evade arrest, Nygaard tracked her down at Miami International Airport, leading to her arrest. Marks later confessed to defrauding five victims of over $340,000 and was sentenced to six years in prison in 2018.
Media Appearances
Nygaard has gained national recognition for his work. In 2018, he appeared as himself in the CBS crime show Pink Collar Crimes in an episode titled “The Psychic Didn’t See Him Coming”, which chronicled his investigation into Gina Marks. In 2021, he was featured in the ABC series The Con in an episode titled “The Psychic Con”.
Nygaard continues to inspire trust as a modern-day “Sherlock Holmes,” championing justice for those victimized by elaborate schemes.