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You want a tarot reading – but you also want to avoid getting ripped off by someone who talks a big game and delivers nothing. That worry is fair. Tarot can feel personal and vulnerable, so the idea of handing your trust to the wrong person can feel HEAVY. When you know the signs of a bad tarot reader, you protect your money and your peace.
People often ask me how to know the signs of a bad tarot reader and whether a reader is legit. They worry about accuracy, honesty, and whether the person in front of them has any real skill. I’ve seen scams up close.
People have literally used my image for scams. They pretended to be me, messaged my clients, claimed they sensed a curse, and tried to sell expensive rituals to fix it. Total nonsense.
So here is what I want for you. I want you to recognise the common signs of a bad tarot reader and feel confident before you give anyone your money. Because, you deserve a reading that supports you rather than confuses you.
What Tarot Is Not
Tarot Is Not Fortune Telling
Some readers claim they can guarantee future events. They cannot. If someone promises fixed dates or inevitable outcomes, they’re selling the illusion of control. That illusion feels comforting when life is chaotic, but it’s also dishonest.
Tarot is a reflective tool, not some scripted prophecy. These fake tarot reader behaviour patterns show up often and are classic signs of a bad tarot reader.
If someone insists their readings are always accurate in predicting the future, walk away. Certainty is a sales tactic rather than a spiritual insight. You never owe loyalty to someone making impossible claims. A genuine reader talks about insight, direction, and choice. They help you think. They don’t pretend to know everything.
Tarot Is Not Therapy or Spiritual Coercion
A tarot reader should never diagnose trauma or label your mental health, and they shouldn’t push you into emotional territory you did not consent to. That behaviour crosses boundaries and harms people. These are clear tarot reader red flags.
Some readers create intensity to gain control. They stir emotion to make you feel dependent on them. An honest tarot reader holds space with care and clarity. They offer perspective without forcing vulnerability or claiming authority they do not have.
So What Are The Most Common Signs of a Bad Tarot Reader?
1. They Promise Fixed Outcomes
If someone says your soulmate will arrive in six weeks, or you’ll get a specific job offer, or your ex will return by a certain date –
They are LYING.
They want to impress you.
They want you to believe they have special access.
It’s manipulation dressed up as confidence and it’s one of the clearest signs of a bad tarot reader.
A trustworthy reader talks about themes, choices, and direction. They help you understand what is possible. They never pretend to control fate. Which is why learning how to spot a bad tarot reader starts right here.
2. They Use Fear to Control the Reading
Fear is a favourite tool for scammers. If a reader tells you they sense dark energy or a curse around you, they could be trying to scare you into paying them the big bucks.
Scammers impersonating me have done this.
They message people, offer a free reading, claim to feel some kind of danger, then push paid rituals to fix the problem they just invented.
Real readers don’t weaponise fear, or create panic.
They don’t use spiritual threats to push purchases.
If someone tries to frighten you, leave.
You do not need to debate with them or justify your exit. Your safety and clarity come first.
3. They Rely on Vague Statements That Fit Anyone
Cold reading is the art of saying something general and making it sound personal. Lines like you have been feeling stuck or someone around you feels heavy fit almost everyone. Cold readers watch your reactions and adjust their words to look intuitive. Watch out for this.
A skilled reader grounds their insight in the cards. They speak clearly. They do not make you do the work of interpreting vague statements. They offer perspective that feels specific and relevant. This is how you learn how to choose a tarot reader with real skill.
4. They Push Paid Add Ons Before You Have Even Settled
Some readers upsell before the reading starts. Some push cleansing rituals halfway through. Some offer expensive spells as if they are essential. This signals that their goal is your wallet, not your wellbeing and it is another sign of a bad tarot reader.
There is nothing wrong with optional extras when you ask for them specifically, or they’re just an option on a booking form. The problem is pressure. Honest readers never make you feel like you NEED to buy more to get real help for something you didn’t know about when the reading began.
So How Do You Choose a Reader You Can Actually Trust?
Clear Boundaries and Clear Expectations
A good reader tells you exactly what to expect. They explain the structure. They talk about consent and comfort. They tell you what tarot can and cannot do. Everything is transparent and grounded in collaboration.
If someone cannot explain their approach simply, that’s a warning sign. Clarity reflects skill. It also reflects respect.
They Talk Like a Human, Not a Prophet
If someone speaks in cryptic riddles or tries to sound enlightened, they are usually covering uncertainty. A genuine tarot reader uses clear language because clear language builds trust.
Confidence feels grounded. Manipulation feels dramatic. You can sense the difference.
They Stay in Their Lane
A tarot reader should not diagnose illness, demand life changes, or claim authority over your decisions. Their job is not to control you. Their job is to help you reflect.
A good reader holds space without taking over your agency. They guide you, not direct you.
Simple Questions to Ask Before You Book
What Is Your Approach to Tarot?
This question reveals a lot. A confident reader explains their method plainly. They describe how they read, what they focus on, and how they support clients.
If the answer feels vague or confusing, trust your instincts. It may signal that they rely on performance rather than skill.
What Can I Expect From the Session?
A trustworthy reader explains the flow. They tell you how long the session lasts, how it begins, and how they frame the reading. You should feel informed and comfortable.
Scammers focus on guarantees and dramatic outcomes. They sell certainty, not process.
How to Avoid Fake Psychics Online
Check Their Name and Links
Scammers copy profiles, steal content, and imitate real readers. Always check official websites, booking links, and consistent details. If something looks slightly off, trust that feeling.
If someone contacts you first, assume it is fake. Real readers trust clients to reach out on their own terms. Cold contacting is almost always a scam tactic. Real readers do not cold message people.
Never Engage With Unsolicited Messages
No genuine reader will DM you to say they feel something dark or urgent around you. That’s a classic tactic. It begins with concern and ends with pressure.
Block and delete.
You owe them nothing. Giving attention only fuels the scam, so stepping away protects your energy and your information.
Before You Book Anyone:
A good tarot reading should feel grounded, collaborative, and safe. You should feel like you can breathe. You should feel respected and steady. Nothing should feel rushed.
You now know the warning signs and the key signs of a bad tarot reader. Trust your judgement. If something feels off, step away. Protect your money and your peace.
If you want a reading that uses clear language, grounded insight, and real ethics, choose someone who works with honesty rather than fear or theatrics.
