Real vs Fake Psychics: 12 Red Flags to Avoid Online Scams

Real vs Fake Psychics: 12 Red Flags to Avoid Online Psychic Scams

A real psychic offers guidance, respects your choices and charges clear, upfront prices. A fake one uses fear, pressure and vague promises to keep you paying. The biggest warning signs are claims that you’re cursed, demands for extra money to “remove” bad energy, guaranteed outcomes and hidden pricing. Choosing a platform with vetted psychics, published prices and genuine reviews is the simplest way to stay safe.

Below are 12 red flags to watch for, the signs of a genuine reader, and a quick checklist before you book.

12 Red Flags of a Fake Psychic

Fear and pressure tactics

“You’re cursed” or “someone put a spell on you.” This is the most common scam opener, almost always followed by a fee to fix it.

Paying extra to “remove negative energy.” Candle work, crystals or rituals sold at high prices to lift a curse are a major warning sign.

Urgency: “You must act tonight or you’ll lose them forever.” Genuine guidance doesn’t come with a countdown clock.

Encouraging dependence. A reader who says you need to check in daily before every decision is building a habit, not helping you.

Unrealistic promises

Guaranteed results: “I guarantee your ex will return in 7 days.”

Exact predictions about lottery numbers, health outcomes or legal cases. Responsible readers avoid these areas.

Claims of 100% accuracy. No reader is right every time. Here’s what accuracy really means.

Shady business practices

Unsolicited messages. Someone on social media or email saying they “had a vision about you” is a classic scam approach.

Hidden or unclear pricing, or billing that keeps running after a “free” period. More on that in free psychic readings: what’s the catch.

Requests for unusual payment methods, like gift cards, wire transfers or crypto.

No profile, history or reviews you can check.

Fake or stock-photo testimonials. In the US, the FTC prohibits fake reviews and testimonials, and they’re a strong sign a service isn’t being honest with you.

8 Signs of a Genuine Psychic

• They listen first. A real reader lets you share what matters to you.

• They offer guidance, not orders. You leave with perspective, not a set of rules.

• They respect free will. They acknowledge that your choices shape what happens next.

• They’re comfortable saying “I’m not sure.” Honesty about uncertainty is a good sign.

• They don’t use fear. Even hard messages are delivered with care.

• Their prices are clear before you start.

• They have a visible profile and reviews from real clients.

• They know their limits and suggest professional help for medical, legal or mental health issues.

How Online Psychic Platforms Help You Stay Safe

Booking through a reputable platform, rather than a stranger’s DM, adds layers of protection

• Psychic vetting: Readers are screened before they can take clients.

• Public profiles and ratings: Check psychics’ specialties and reviews before booking.

• Upfront pricing: Know exactly what you’ll pay before starting a session.

• Secure payments: Avoid requests for gift cards or wire transfers.

• Published policies: Look for clear terms, privacy guidelines, and refund rules.

On PsychicTells, every psychic is vetted before they’re approved to read for clients, prices are listed openly on our pricing page, sessions are encrypted and confidential, and our money-back policy is published for anyone to read. You can also compare platforms in our guide to the best psychic reading websites.

Choose a psychic you can trust. Browse vetted psychics, read their profiles and reviews, and start a chat when it feels right, 24/7. Browse Vetted Psychics →

Your Pre-Booking Checklist

Before any reading, ask yourself:

• ☐ Can I see the psychic’s profile, specialties and reviews?

• ☐ Do I know the exact price before I start?

• ☐ Is payment taken through a secure checkout?

• ☐ Are there published privacy and refund policies?

• ☐ Do I feel calm, not pressured?

If you can tick every box, you’re in safe hands. For more guidance, read how to choose the right psychic and how to find a real online psychic.

What to Do If a Reading Feels Wrong

Stop the session. You never owe anyone more time or money.

Don’t pay for add-ons like curse removal or energy cleansing packages.

Contact the platform’s support team if you used one.

Report scams to the platform, the payment provider or your local consumer protection agency.

Try a Low-Risk First Reading

If you’re nervous about trying a psychic, start small. A single written question lets you experience a reader’s style without committing to a long session.

Start with one question for just $1.99. Up to 500 words, image uploads and the same psychic for follow-ups. Ask a Question →

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if a psychic is real? A real psychic listens, offers guidance without fear tactics, respects your choices and charges clear prices. Be wary of curses, guarantees and pressure.

Are online psychics real? Many online psychics are genuine, especially on platforms that vet readers and show real reviews. Avoid unsolicited offers from strangers.

What is the most common psychic scam? Telling someone they’re cursed and then charging to remove the curse. A genuine reader won’t do this.

Should a psychic ask for money to remove bad energy? No. This is a well-known scam tactic. Walk away and report it.

Is PsychicTells safe? Every psychic on PsychicTells is vetted before approval, pricing is upfront, payments are secure and sessions are kept confidential.