Psychic fraud is used to display an array of alleged psychic abilities. This can happen on a one-to-one basis, group, or stage setting. Alleged abilities can include hidden fake examples of fortune telling, clairvoyance, mediumship, and others. Psychic fraud is used primarily for personal gain [not necessarily financial], and to create an undetectable deception unknown to audiences.
Although some people may find this entertaining, it has the potential to cause distress and can manipulate people into accepting a fraudulent reading which could have lasting detrimental consequences. Psychic fraud is linked to magic by deception and manipulation, although there are some fundamental differences between them.
In the 1960s and 70s there were many `magic` shows on television, most of which were aimed at a younger, more vulnerable audience. I remember being mesmerized by these, and they were considered as nothing more than harmless entertainment – and yes- I was taken in by it because I was none the wiser. Similarly, magicians would often be seen at children’s parties.
Psychic fraud is aimed at a different type of audience. Someone who unknowingly visits a fraudulent psychic may be seeking `divine intervention` in order to help solve a family crisis, or to contact a deceased relative or friend. They will likely be seeking assurances or clarifications which could ultimately lead them into a false sense of security, and in the case of an astrological reading, may decide they end up regretting.
Roger Mallett
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