Impostor psychics plaguing social media

The reputation of psychics is being dragged through the mud by online impostors, who are preying on vulnerable people that seek answers through unconventional means.

The Guardian released an enlightening article this week, with writer Kari Paul investigating the tarot readers being scammed on social media and how they are trying to fight back.

Apparently, scammers are mimicking popular tarot readers’ accounts online by using similar usernames and reposting stolen photos, targeting their followers with fraudulent offers for psychic reading.

There are indeed quite a few such complaints online. One victim was scammed via Instagram, after a fraudster impersonated a popular tarot reader and reached out to their followers to do a reading.

“I accepted and was not given a reading. I was told I needed to be cleansed and to buy a candle quickly. The account got deactivated and I had sent the $30 from PayPal to the name [...], the name of the scammer/imposter. The scammer caused a sense of urgency and was requesting money in a hostile manner,” the complaint filed with Better Business Bureau Scam tracker reads.

Metaphysical practitioners do not have it easy, that’s for sure. Those true to their practice regularly deal with scammers, angry clients, and impostor healers.

Many people reach out to such practitioners seeking guidance, support during times of crisis, looking for some answers they can’t get through conventional means. However, some expect that such a practitioner will help solve very specific problems, making themselves easy prey for criminals.

One victim turned to a psychic website that sent them a drawing of a soulmate, promising they would meet that person within three months.

“They sent me a drawing and the guy looked old enough to be my dad... who is pushing 60. I emailed them and said there is no way this is my soulmate and told them I wanted a refund. They tried to convince me otherwise and finally said they would draw another one (Which came out worse),” a complaint filed with Better Business Bureau Scam tracker reads.

Guess what, three months passed, the victim didn’t find that soulmate from the drawing, and started asking for a refund.

Some reported scams are way spookier, though. Allegedly, one psychic life coach “cyber stalks victims with an organized global network satanic and occult rituals done against the victim to get them calling more or for extortion purposes.”

Apparently, threatening people with bad luck unless they pay up is quite a common method to extort money from gullible people online.

“She [a psychic] asked me for my full name, date and place of birth and wanted to know exactly how much money I had in the bank and my assets. She gave me a tarot card reading and said I would marry the man I am with but that there are many obstacles and the first thing was to lift off a curse that would never allow me to get married to anyone or be happy, [sic]” one complaint reads.

Online psychic-goers have also complained about identity theft while using such services, phishing scams, cyberstalking, and even alleged hacking of their devices.

How to protect yourself

First of all, do your research. Carefully check the psychic’s reviews, credentials, and online presence.

Clarify the service. Do you know what you’re paying for? Are there any hidden fees? Get all those terms in writing before you proceed.

Protect your data. Never share sensitive personal information online and be wary of upfront payments. Use secure payment methods and avoid paying large sums upfront.

Trust your instincts. If it feels off, don’t proceed.

Be wary of emotional manipulation. Scammers seek vulnerable people exploiting negative emotions like grief, desperation, and fear.