Short answer
The old version of this page made one point worth keeping: people who are grieving or going through a hard time are the easiest to convince, because they want the reading to be true. That is exactly why the difference between a real and a fake psychic cannot be felt from inside a reading. It has to be checked from outside, against a record: what was said before you answered, how many guesses were made, what the misses were, and whether the scope moved after each one. The full guide gives the method, and it works whether the reader is sincere, mistaken or deceiving you.
Read the full guide
How broad statements, prompts and prior information make a reading feel accurate, how to keep a record that includes the misses, and the pressure tactics that are a reason to stop regardless.
How to Check a Psychic’s Claims: Cold Reading and Warning Signs
If you are grieving
- Wait. A reading booked in the first weeks after a loss is the one most likely to be believed and least likely to be checked. Nothing is lost by waiting a few months.
- Take someone with you, or have them listen. A second person hears the questions you did not notice answering.
- Decide in advance what would count as the reader knowing something they could not have known, and write it down before the session. Preparing for a medium reading covers this in detail.
- If the reader asks for more money to “continue the connection”, the connection was the money.
This article cracks me up! Imagine paying someone thousands to ‘remove a curse’ when all they really want is your wallet! I bet my cat could give better advice while napping!
@GigglesMcGee Haha true! Your cat might just charge less too!
Honestly, this piece feels a bit patronizing. Sure, there are fake psychics out there, but isn’t it obvious? I mean, who would actually believe someone asking for their social security number could be legit? Come on!
The information presented here is quite comprehensive. The section about cold reading techniques is particularly useful for anyone looking to understand how these scammers operate. Awareness is key, and this article serves that purpose well.
‘Who died in a car accident?’ Really? That’s like asking if anyone has ever eaten pizza! The way these fake psychics fish for information is laughable! They need to try harder if they want to fool people!
This article is a real eye-opener! It’s great to see someone highlighting the red flags of fake psychics. I appreciate the clear examples provided. It’s so important for people to protect themselves from frauds, especially during vulnerable times.
This article brings attention to an often overlooked issue in the psychic community. It’s crucial for individuals seeking guidance to remain skeptical and informed about the risks associated with fraudulent practices.
@ThoughtfulTina Exactly! A healthy dose of skepticism can save people from heartache and financial loss.
While I agree that some psychics are frauds, dismissing all of them as scams overlooks legitimate practitioners. Many have genuine abilities and help people find closure. We shouldn’t generalize; it’s all about finding the right individual.
“Psychics shouldn’t ask questions” – what a revelation! Next, you’ll tell me that fish don’t fly! Honestly, if you’re paying someone for advice on your future and they ask what you think… maybe rethink your choices?
@SarcasticSammy Right? Asking questions makes them sound more like therapists than psychics anyway!
@SarcasticSammy Agreed! If they’re not providing solid info upfront, they might as well be selling magic beans!