The 10 Red Flags
- “You've been cursed.” The classic opener for a money scam.
- Selling spells, candles or rituals to fix your problem.
- Asking you to pay outside the platform (gift cards, crypto, wire transfers).
- Guaranteed results — “your ex will return in 7 days.”
- Urgency — “you must act tonight or lose them forever.”
- Fishing for personal details like bank info or addresses.
- Free reading that turns into a big bill after vague 'bad news'.
- Contacting you first on social media with a 'message from spirit'.
- Refusing to name the cards or explain the reading.
- Making you feel dependent — insisting you check in before every decision.
Where Scams Happen Most
Most scams happen outside established platforms: social-media DMs, fake 'free reading' websites and unsolicited emails. Reputable platforms screen readers, show reviews and keep payments in-app — which is why we recommend booking through them.
What to Do If It Happens
- End the session or conversation immediately.
- Don't send any more money or personal information.
- Report the reader to the platform's support team.
- If you paid by card, contact your bank about a chargeback.
- Report fraud to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Cheap vs Scam
A $1 intro reading on a trusted site isn't a scam — it's marketing. A 'free' reading in your DMs that ends with a $300 curse removal is. The difference is where you are and what they ask for. More: curse removal scams.
Legit Reader vs Scammer
| Legit reader | Scammer | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Established platform or known shop | DMs, unsolicited emails, pop-up sites |
| Payment | In-app, clear rate | Gift cards, crypto, wire, 'donations' |
| Message | Insight and options | Fear, curses, urgency |
| After the reading | You're free to go | Pressure to keep paying |
Real Example Pattern
A typical scam starts with a free reading offered in a comment or DM. The 'reader' tells you a jealous person has cursed your love life, but they can help — for $49. A week later, the curse is 'stronger than expected' and needs a $299 ritual. Then a $600 'final cleansing'. Each step uses your hope and fear to justify the next payment. Recognizing the pattern early is the best protection.
Protect Friends and Family
Older relatives and people going through grief or breakups are frequent targets. Share this list with them, and encourage anyone who's paid a 'spiritual fixer' to talk about it without shame.
Keep Reading
Curse Removal Scams
‘Someone has put a curse on you, but I can remove it.’ It's one of the oldest scams in the book
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FAQ
Can a tarot reader really remove a curse?
No legitimate reader sells curse removal. It's one of the most common psychic scams.
How do I report a psychic scam?
Report it to the platform, your bank and the FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov).
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