Do psychics really have special abilities? Some researchers say yes, pointing to studies showing evidence of precognition. For instance, social psychologist Daryl Bem found that some people demonstrated precognitive abilities in experiments. Similarly, parapsychology researcher Etzel Cardena found evidence suggesting psychic powers through the Ganzfeld procedure, where participants accurately described unseen film clips while blindfolded.
However, many so-called psychics use deception to make you believe they possess extraordinary powers. Let’s explore some common tricks used by fake psychics to avoid falling victim to their schemes.
10. They Keep You Talking
One of the most effective techniques fake psychics employ is to keep you talking. The more you talk, the more information you reveal, which they can then use to conduct your reading.
In the end, you’ll likely pay more, especially with phone psychics who often charge exorbitant per-minute rates. Engaging you in conversation is a way for them to extract more money from you.[1]
9. They Ask For Personal Information
After gaining your trust, fake psychics often ask for personal details such as your name, birth date, and address. They claim this information is necessary for a precise reading.
However, they use this data to send alarming messages like, “You’re in danger, call immediately!” or “Someone has cursed you, you need to call me now!”[2]
The goal is to make you call or visit their business, where they’ll try to keep you engaged as long as possible. Genuine psychics wouldn’t need any personal information to provide a reading.
8. Flattery And False Claims
Fake psychics aim to keep you returning for more readings. They often use flattery to build trust and then introduce false claims. For instance, they might say, “You have a very interesting aura. I’d like to do an in-depth advanced reading.”
By encouraging you to spend more money on “advanced” readings, they successfully scam you.[3] Flattery and fabricated claims are key tools in their arsenal.
7. Past Lives As Famous People
A common tactic is claiming you were a famous historical figure in a past life, such as Cleopatra, Abraham Lincoln, or Alexander the Great. While this idea may sound intriguing, it’s rarely true.
The psychic likely tells many clients the same thing.[4] Be wary of psychics making such claims; they use flattery to keep you hooked so they can extract more money, perhaps by offering past life regression through hypnosis.
6. They Make A Claim And Then Wait
Fake psychics often make a generalized statement and then pause, watching your body language for confirmation that they’re on track. This pause allows them to gauge your reaction and adjust their statements accordingly. A psychic who stops speaking to wait for your response should raise a red flag.[5]
5. They Give You Information That Might Be True For Anyone
Fake psychics often provide information that is widely applicable. For example, they might say, “I see that you’ve suffered a recent loss.”
Since most people have experienced some form of loss, whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a pet, or money, this statement is so general that it could apply to nearly anyone.[6]
They rely on you to fill in the details and make the statement feel personal, a tactic designed to keep you engaged.
4. Positive Claims With Just A Few Negatives
Fake psychics know it’s crucial to deliver mostly positive news to keep you coming back. However, they’ll sprinkle in a few negative claims to make the reading seem more credible.[7]
For example, they might say, “You recently lost an object that is very important to you.” This could be anything from car keys to an heirloom. The generality allows you to project your own experiences onto the statement.
3. They Look You Up Online
Like most people, fake psychics use social media to gather information about you. With so much personal data available online, it’s easy to find out details that can be used during a reading.[8]
If you’ve been posting about writing a book, the psychic might say, “I see that you’re going to be a best-selling author.” The internet offers a wealth of information that fake psychics exploit to appear knowledgeable.
2. They Ask You Questions
A genuine psychic should confidently provide information without needing to quiz you. Fake psychics, however, ask numerous questions to extract information.
Just like meeting a new acquaintance, you might not think twice about answering simple questions.[9] Fake psychics use this technique to gather information they don’t have, using your responses to manipulate the reading for financial gain.
1. They Use Props
A true psychic doesn’t require props. If a psychic’s business is filled with stereotypical items like bangle bracelets, scarves, and voluminous skirts, it might be a red flag.[10]
Other props include large crystals, books on psychic phenomena, and natal charts. However, some fake psychics avoid these clichés to appear normal, opting for just a table, chairs, and a deck of tarot cards.
Regardless, a real psychic relies on their mind’s power, needing nothing else to provide insights.
In conclusion, while some believe in genuine psychic abilities, many so-called psychics use manipulative tactics. By keeping you talking, asking for personal information, using flattery, and exploiting online data, they create an illusion of psychic power. Being aware of these tricks can help you avoid scams and protect your money. Have you encountered any of these tactics? Share your experiences in the comments below!
