Former Arlington Hts. woman arrested in “curse” scam

A former resident of Arlington Heights stole $231,000 from a Roselle woman in a scam that involved “foreseeing” a horrible death befalling the victim’s grandchildren, Arlington Heights police said Wednesday.

Theresa Benson, 50, formerly of the 1500 block of West Thomas Street, was charged with theft by deception, and bond was set at $75,000 in Cook County circuit court.

The victim’s daughter-in-law met Benson in 2007, and becoming convinced Benson was very religious, introduced her to her mother-in-law, who is now 62.

Benson and the victim became friends, and Benson told the victim she foresaw evil and a horrible death for members of the victim’s family, including her grandchildren, Arlington Heights Police Cmdr. Mike Hernandez said.

The victim was told the only way to lift the curse was to give Benson money that she would pray over, police said.

The scam continued for almost two years until the victim’s son became suspicious, Hernandez said. In July of 2009 when officers went to arrest Benson, she had apparently left the area, police said.

A recent anonymous tip told police Benson was working as a palm reader in the South Beach area of Miami Beach, Fla., and she was arrested and returned to Cook County.