Recognising a Psychic Scam by Leela J. Williams

Hello, I have an important message for you and your future …

Psychic scams are not new. Their anatomy hasn’t changed much over the decades, but the age of social media has given them wings. Today, scammers can harvest ready-made lists of “believers” every time someone engages with a genuine psychic’s Facebook or Instagram page. From there, it’s easy to send direct messages that mimic authentic spiritual outreach. Old methods, honed for decades, can now be deployed instantly — without the cost of a postage stamp or the risk of face-to-face contact.

Sadly, these tactics continue to extract money from thousands of people every year. In 2022 alone, psychic or clairvoyant scams cost Australians more than half a million dollars. The true figure is almost certainly higher because many victims never report their losses. Shame, fear and self-doubt often keep people silent:

• They may feel foolish, like they “should have known better.”
• They may sense something isn’t right but can’t pinpoint it.
• They may worry because scammers now hold personal details that could be misused.
• They may worry that friends or family will judge or think less of them.

I’ve heard heartbreaking stories of psychic scams since I started in this industry in 1989. People are often targeted when they are low, vulnerable or at a crossroads. It’s especially painful when scams prey on those in mourning. Sometimes people only reach out because something feels off. At other times, they don’t even realise they’ve been scammed. Many people who reach out are surprised that believing in psychics does not cancel out your consumer rights.

In Australia, anyone who charges for a product or service — including psychic readings — is bound by the Australian Consumer Law, which is enforced by the ACCC and other regulators. This means psychics must not mislead, deceive or pressure you, and you have the same consumer rights as you would with any other service.

How to Recognise Ethical Practice

The best protection against scams is knowing what genuine, ethical practice looks like. That’s one of the main reasons I support organisations like the International Psychics Association and the Tarot Guild of Australia, which uphold clear codes of ethics. Here are some key points:

• Psychics won’t come to you: When you are contacted by a psychic with a pressing message just for you, don’t reply. If the Universe has a genuine message for you, it will communicate with you through trusted sources – not through a random stranger. Ask for it to be shown to you in a dream, through synchronicity or in meditation. If you are curious about the message, consider booking a reading with a reputable psychic.
• Reasonable fees and no pressure: It’s ethical to have fair and transparent consultation fees. Beware of advice (even when it is free) leading to another cost or service. Consulting a spiritual practitioner is an exercise of free will. Beware when saying no is not respected or when you feel pressured to pay more than expected. Beware when you are given advice on how to raise funds to meet escalating expenses.
• Confidentiality: Your privacy should always be respected and all information kept confidential.
• Respect for free will: Ethical spiritual practitioners do not claim to be able to influence others against their will (for example, promising to make someone fall in love). They also cannot make a 100% guarantee of accuracy – no matter how good they are!
• No fear tactics: Beware of claims that someone can remove curses or “dark magic” for a price.

Knowing these markers of ethical conduct can help you tell a genuine professional from a scammer more easily. In short, if someone cold-messages you, uses fear to pressure you or asks for money to remove a curse — that’s not a psychic, that’s a scammer.

Where to Report Scams

If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a psychic scam — or any kind of scam — don’t stay silent. Reporting helps protect others and gives authorities the information they need to track patterns.

• Scamwatch (run by the ACCC): www.scamwatch.gov.au
• Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC): www.accc.gov.au

You can lodge a report online at Scamwatch, even if you didn’t lose money. The more reports they receive, the better they can warn the public and shut down scammers.

Remember: believing in psychics or seeking spiritual guidance does not mean you give up your rights as a consumer. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts — and take action. If you aren’t sure, feel welcome to reach out.

Leela J. Williams is an award-winning psychic and deck creator who has dedicated her career to helping people find clarity and confidence in their own inner guidance. She continues to promote ethical practice through her writing and creative work. Discover her latest oracle and journal offerings HERE.