Psychic readings have several benefits, to include peace of mind, confidence, improved relationships, self-discovery, and closure. While there are individuals all over the world who possess a true psychic gift, unfortunately, there are some scammers out there who are only looking to take advantage of people instead of providing spiritual guidance, clarity, and advice. This is called a cold psychic reading, otherwise known as a set of techniques used in order to draw out information about you and your situation without the use of true psychic abilities.
While doing your research is one of the best ways to prevent a scam (reading reviews, asking for testimonials, thoroughly reading bios, checking out credentials, etc.), sometimes you won’t know you’re being victimized until you’re in the midst of the session. Here are some tell-tale signs that a psychic is attempting to pull the wool over your eyes.
Psychic Cold Reading Techniques
- There are one too many “props” in the room
Sure it’s not uncommon for a psychic to use a divination tool such as a set of tarot cards, but if you’re at an in-person reading and the reading room looks more like a Halloween costume shop than a place of business, beware—especially if it contains cliche items like a crystal ball, an over-the-top robe or costume, or a glowing neon “tarot” sign.
- You’re told that the success of your reading depends on you
If your psychic is putting pressure on you before the reading has even begun, consider this a major red flag because it takes the responsibility off of them and onto you. They might say something like, “It’s up to you to make sense of the information I am providing you with.”
- They are “fishing”
Are questions being concealed as statements? This is what’s known as the fishing technique because the psychic is trying to pull something out of you by making a generalization such as, “I am seeing visions of a black car…I wonder why?” You respond by saying “that’s the color of my boyfriend’s car” serves as a catalyst for the reading. From here the psychic could say something random like how he should take the car in for a tuneup before something happens.
- The reader is overly confident in their information
If you respond no (especially more than once) to information the psychic is trying to confirm, they may try to save face by attempting to gaslight you by saying something like, “Are you sure that doesn’t mean anything to you?”
- The psychic is overly interested in your appearance or mannerisms
A fake psychic could use characteristics of you to make it look as though they are truly “reading into you.” For example, perhaps you’re twisting your hair or wringing your hands. This imposter could say that it makes you nervous to talk about your current situation. If you’re wearing a wedding ring, it’s obvious that you’re attached. If you’re dressed in a suit then you have a professional job, etc. It’s not to say that a professional psychic wouldn’t notice these things, but they wouldn’t use them as the basis of the reading.
- They are tossing out too many general statements
General statements lessen the risk of the psychic providing inaccurate information. But be careful. Just because the information is general doesn’t mean it’s not true. It’s when it’s not backed up by specifics that it’s likely a scam. So, a general statement like, “Sometimes you feel really confident at work and other days you feel overwhelmed,” could be correct, but it lacks substance such as why you’re not getting a raise, how to deal with a demanding boss, etc.
- They are requesting money to fix a curse
A true professional psychic will never ask you for additional money and most certainly will not tell you that you’re doomed or possessed, so don’t you dare slap down cash for an angel candle that’s going to save your “cursed soul.”
- You’re doing most of the talking
It’s not uncommon to go into a reading with a lot on your mind, but if you hit the ground running by offering up an entire conversation’s worth of information about your situation, it’s going to be extremely easy for a crooked psychic to use all of this intel to their advantage by spinning you a tall tale.
Preventing a Psychic Cold Reading
As aforementioned, doing your research is one of the best things you can do to prevent a psychic cold reading, but opting to have a psychic reading over the phone also has its advantages. On top of having total anonymity, you don’t have to worry about the psychic picking up on your body language or appearance (heck, even what type of car you rolled up in), so they have less to go off of. Why not research our advisors and book a quality psychic reading today?
