Psychic readings and spiritism: scams that exploit emotional distress

Psychic readings and spiritism attract many people every year who are seeking answers during difficult periods. Break-ups, financial problems or bereavement can lead some individuals to consult mediums or psychics in the hope of receiving advice or comfort.

However, this field is also particularly fertile ground for scams.

Several well-known fraud schemes rely on exploiting the emotional vulnerability of victims and can lead to considerable financial losses.

Why psychic services also attract scammers

Divination practices often rely on the trust placed in the practitioner. Unlike measurable or verifiable services, predictions and spiritual impressions generally cannot be objectively confirmed. This characteristic creates an environment that can facilitate manipulation.

Scammers frequently take advantage of moments of vulnerability: romantic break-ups, job loss, illness or the death of a loved one. In these situations, some people look for quick answers or reassuring signs. Fraudsters then use psychological techniques to create emotional and financial dependency.

Authorities regularly warn about these practices. In the United Kingdom, consumers can report deceptive practices to Report Fraud (UK). In the United States, reports can be submitted through the Federal Trade Commission reporting platform (US). Cybersecurity and scam-prevention advice is also available from the National Cyber Security Centre (UK) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (US).

The “occult work” or curse-removal scam

Among the most expensive scams, the technique of supposed “occult work” or curse removal is frequently reported. It usually begins with what appears to be a normal psychic consultation.

During the session, the psychic claims to have detected a curse, a spell or a negative energy affecting the victim or their family. This announcement immediately creates a sense of anxiety and urgency.

The fraudster then explains that a specific ritual is necessary to remove this harmful influence. Requests for money can quickly accumulate: purchasing supposedly sacred candles, talismans, spiritual ceremonies or night rituals.

In some cases documented by authorities, victims have paid very large sums over several months. Investigations have revealed losses ranging from several thousand pounds or dollars to more than 200,000 after prolonged and gradual manipulation.

Telephone psychic platforms

Another common model involves telephone psychic platforms. Some companies operate like real call centres where several operators answer consultations.

Unlike the image of an independent psychic, these organisations may employ people who have no experience in psychic practices. Operators sometimes follow commercial scripts designed to prolong conversations and increase the final bill.

These consultations are often billed by the minute. When calls last a long time, the total cost can become very high for the person seeking guidance.

Operators frequently rely on well-known psychological techniques:

• Cold reading: making general observations while analysing the reactions of the caller.
• The Barnum effect: delivering statements vague enough that almost anyone can identify with them.
• Open-ended questions: encouraging the person to reveal personal information themselves.

These methods create the impression of remarkable accuracy, even though they mainly rely on interpreting the client’s responses.

Spiritism scams and messages from the deceased

Some scams specifically target people who are grieving. Fraudsters sometimes monitor social media or obituary notices to identify potential victims.

They then contact the person claiming to have received a spiritual message from a deceased relative. According to the scenario presented, the soul of the deceased supposedly wishes to convey urgent information or request a particular action.

The scammer explains that this message can only be delivered after payment for a special session or ritual intended to “free the spirit”. The victim is often pressured to act quickly under the pretext of spiritual urgency.

These practices directly exploit the pain associated with mourning. Victim-support organisations emphasise that this type of manipulation constitutes a particularly serious form of emotional abuse.

Warning signs that should raise concern

Certain behaviours may reveal a scam attempt in the field of psychic readings or spiritism. Consumer-protection specialists recommend paying attention to several warning signs.

Among suspicious situations:

• promises of guaranteed results, such as the assured return of a loved one;
• claims that a serious curse requires an urgent paid ritual;
• repeated calls or insistent messages encouraging you to continue consultations;
• psychological pressure or threats of negative events if you stop the sessions;
• requests for large sums of money for supposedly indispensable objects or rituals.

In several legal cases, courts have considered that such practices may constitute exploitation of vulnerability when a person takes advantage of another’s fragile situation.

How to protect yourself from these practices

Caution remains essential when considering consulting a psychic practitioner. It is important to remember that no prediction can be guaranteed and that no spiritual intervention can certainly resolve personal problems.

It is also advisable to avoid services that quickly demand large sums of money or insist on multiplying consultations. Repeated requests for payment are often the first sign of manipulation.

If in doubt, abusive practices can be reported to the competent authorities. Victims may also contact the police or victim-support organisations in order to obtain legal and psychological assistance.

Conclusion

Scams related to psychic readings and spiritism often rely on exploiting moments of personal vulnerability. By promising to resolve emotional, financial or spiritual problems, some fraudsters manage to create a relationship of dependency with their victims.

In such situations, vigilance is essential. Extraordinary promises, costly rituals and psychological pressure are warning signs that should encourage caution.

To deepen prevention habits, it may be useful to consult this guide explaining essential reflexes to avoid online scams. You can also read this detailed analysis on the main scams and how to respond effectively.

Article by : René Ronse | Review guidelines | Review consultants
About the author: René Ronse, manager of ArnaqueOuFiable.com. Expert in consumer cybersecurity, specialist in detecting online fraud, product transparency, and digital compliance. He has over 20 years of experience analyzing hidden subscription mechanisms, unreadable terms and conditions, aggressive sales tactics, and deceptive commercial practices on the web.
Last updated on 11 March 2026.
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