How to Avoid Psychic & Tarot Scams
Most tarot readers are honest people offering a thoughtful service. But a minority run predatory scams that cost victims thousands. Here's how to recognise and avoid them.
The biggest red flags
- "You're cursed — but I can remove it." The classic con: manufacture a curse, then charge escalating fees to lift it. No legitimate reader ever charges to remove a curse. Walk away.
- Fear and urgency. "Something terrible will happen unless you act now." Pressure is a sales tactic, not a reading.
- Escalating payments. Requests for ever-larger sums, cash only, gift cards, or "special candles/crystals" you must buy through them.
- Guaranteed outcomes. "I'll make your ex return." No one can guarantee another person's behaviour.
- Demands for secrecy. "Don't tell anyone." Isolation protects the scammer.
What a legitimate reader does
- Charges a clear, upfront fee for their time — not to fix your fate.
- Empowers your own decisions; never induces dread.
- Is comfortable with you asking questions, taking notes, or saying no.
- Refers you to real professionals for medical, legal, financial, or mental-health matters.
If you've lost money to a scam like this, you're not alone and it's not your fault.
Consider reporting it to your local consumer-protection or fraud authority, and stop further payments.
Frequently asked questions
What is the curse-removal scam?
A reader claims you're cursed, then charges escalating fees to "remove" it. It's a documented fraud — no legitimate reader charges to lift a curse.
Are online tarot apps safe?
Most are fine for entertainment. Avoid any that push paid "curse removal," fake urgency, or endless upsells, and never share financial details for a "cleansing."
Related: Is tarot dangerous? · Reading responsibly