Astrology, tarot and other psychic services is a $2 billion industry, and scammers are cashing in on their popularity. The Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker has received reports from people who paid for psychic readings and other services but never received what they were promised.
How the scam works
You follow a social media account that posts frequently about astrology, tarot or a similar topic. You notice the content creator offers personal astrology and psychic readings, so you book a session. After selecting a time and date, you’re directed to pay using a digital wallet app, such as CashApp. When the time comes for your session, the psychic is unreachable. Unfortunately, when you ask about a refund, the psychic blocks you or simply disappears.
Complaints about no-show psychics are the most common version of this scam reported to BBB Scam Tracker, but watch out for variations. Consumers also reported seeing phony reviews or being pressured into paying additional services. For example, one victim reported losing $3,500 to one such scammer.
“She gets you to come back by saying she will do healing meditation to get rid of the evil spirits,” the report read. “She pressures you that you need to give her cash to ‘cleanse’ the evil spirits.”
Preventing the scam
To protect yourself from such a scam:
• Evaluate the seller’s social media profile. Look for someone who posts frequently, responds quickly, and clearly displays and describes the services they provide.
• Read the comments on their posts. Disgruntled customers sometimes comment on a seller’s posts to inform potential customers about their poor experiences. However, this is not a foolproof way to tell if you’re dealing with a phony seller, because comments can be deleted or hidden.
• Check for clear appointment protocols. A trustworthy professional will have a streamlined process dictating how they book appointments to ensure they do not overbook themselves.
• Get everything in writing. Sellers should provide written confirmation of your purchase, the charges, relevant appointment details and instructions on what to do in the event of a cancellation.
• Look out for red flags when paying. For example, one consumer told BBB a seller insisted they pay via a digital transfer app, and they were required to label the charge as a “friends and family payment.” This circumvents safeguards in place that could otherwise protect consumers from scams.
If you’ve spotted a scam – whether or not you’ve lost money – report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help others avoid falling victim to scams.
For more information, visit BBB.org/AvoidScams.
Steve McFarland is president and CEO of the BBB.
