The world of psychic readings is fascinating, offering insight, comfort, and a connection to the unknown. However, not all who claim to have psychic abilities are genuine. While many gifted mediums and psychics provide real and meaningful experiences, there are also those who take advantage of people's emotions for financial gain.
Whether you're attending a psychic medium show, booking a private reading, or considering a phone or online consultation, it's essential to recognize the warning signs of a fake psychic. In this guide, we’ll cover how to spot a fraud and what actions to take if you suspect deception.
Signs of a Fake Psychic
1. They Make Grand Promises About Your Future
A genuine psychic will never promise you love, wealth, or fame. Readings should offer guidance, possibilities and spiritual insight, but no psychic can guarantee future events with absolute certainty. Be wary of anyone who claims they can "change your fate" for a price.
2. They Instil Fear & Pressure You to Pay More
One of the biggest red flags is when a psychic tells you that you or your family are cursed, possessed, or in danger—and that only they can fix it for an extra fee. This is a common scam where the fake psychic creates fear and dependency to extract more money.
3. They Are Overly Vague or Say the Same Things to Everyone
A real psychic will give specific, relevant details that make sense to you. Fake psychics rely on generic statements that could apply to anyone, such as:
“You’ve been through hard times recently.”
“There is someone in the spirit world with a name starting with ‘J’ or ‘M’.”
“You have a good heart, but people take advantage of you.”
If their reading sounds rehearsed or lacks meaningful insight, trust your instincts.
4. They Ask Too Many Leading Questions
A skilled psychic may ask a few questions to help tune into your energy, but they should not fish for information and then repeat it back as if they "sensed" it. If they continuously ask for names, dates, or family details, they might be building a fake reading around your responses.
The best psychics often start the reading saying they only want you to say yes or no (the message makes sense). This is a marked contrast to asking you for names, dates etc. It is not uncommon for messages to be passed to you that you cannot recognise immediately. You may need to time to reflect or consult a family member.
5. They Keep Changing Their Answers
A genuine psychic’s insights will feel coherent and confident, even if they admit they don’t have all the answers. A fake psychic, on the other hand, adjusts their answers based on your reactions to make their guesses seem accurate.
6. They Claim to Have a 100% Success Rate
No psychic or medium is right all the time—even the most gifted ones can misinterpret messages. If someone boasts about never being wrong or having a 100% success rate, it's a major red flag.
7. They Offer Expensive “Spiritual Services” to Remove Negativity
A real psychic will provide insights, guidance, and healing without pushing costly rituals or "exclusive" spiritual tools. Be sceptical if they insist you need to buy:
Magic candles to remove curses.
Special crystals or charms for protection.
Personalised spells to attract love or money.
These tactics are often scams designed to exploit vulnerable clients.
8. They Have No Verifiable Reputation or Reviews
Before booking a reading, do some research. Look for:
Independent customer reviews (not just ones on their website)
Word-of-mouth recommendations
A history of real events or appearances
If a psychic refuses to provide any references or has multiple complaints, it’s best to avoid them.
What to Do If You Suspect a Fake Psychic
If you feel you’ve encountered a fraudulent psychic, here are some steps to take:
1. Trust Your Gut & End the Session
If something feels off, don’t be afraid to walk away. You are not obligated to continue a reading that makes you uncomfortable. Many psychics offer a stop clause before your reading commences so if the reading is inaccurate, you can cancel and receive a full or partial refund. Ask if this is not offered to you.
2. Don’t Pay More for Additional “Fixes”
Never hand over more money for curse removals, lucky charms, or spiritual cleansings. These are often scams designed to take advantage of your emotions. As a minimum ask for time to consider and see how you feel at a later time/date.
3. Leave an Honest Review
If you believe a psychic is taking advantage of people, leave an honest review online. This helps others make informed decisions and prevents potential scams.
4. Report Fraudulent Behaviour
If a psychic has pressured, manipulated, or scammed you, report them to:
Consumer Protection Agencies (such as the UK’s Citizens Advice or Action Fraud)
Local Authorities or Trading Standards, if money was stolen under false pretences
Review sites or event organisers to alert future customers
5. Support Reputable & Ethical Psychics
The best way to combat fraud is by supporting authentic, ethical mediums who have transparent practices, positive testimonials, and a genuine reputation.
Final Thoughts
While there are many legitimate and gifted psychics, there are also those who prey on emotions and desperation for financial gain. By knowing the warning signs and taking the right actions, you can protect yourself and others from fraudulent readings.
If you're looking for genuine, ethical psychic experiences, Psychic Vision hosts trusted events across the UK. Our mediums follow strict ethical guidelines, ensuring that every reading is conducted with honesty, integrity, and respect for the spirit world.
Have you ever encountered a fake psychic? Please share your experience in the comments or email us at events@psychicvisionevents.com
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