• We have updated the guidelines regarding posting political content: please see the stickied thread on Website Issues.

Fraudulent Psychics & Mediums

GadaffiDuck said:
To throw; deprogramming may have those connotations to you (I accept that), to me, however, I am aware of the use of terminology (but I accept that you are not; and I should have thought more carefully). I was not aware that most people look at the word deprogramming in the negative - I have only really seen the negative side (or I should say, counter opinion to what occurs in America) as text book examples - I imagine most of you have not done so, but have read articles in newspapers or the FT.

sorry honey, you've missed my point :) I was actually trying to be helpful, but if you find yourself talking down to the people backing you up then fair play to you, you're on your own :)
 
I think that Throw is probably trying to say that to just about everyone here, and probably most people everywhere, the word 'deprogramming', especially in the context of kids involved with dodgy pseudo-religious types means this.

This may not have been what you intended, and I don't doubt the word can have many other meanings in other contexts in other fields, but to the general population in the context you cited that is the baggage that goes with it. As I understand it in the context of getting people out of cults, the word deprogramming is now almost exclusively used to describe involuntary intervention, which is a pretty dubious practice. Voluntary intervention is usually called 'exit councilling', and even this would be a rather pompous way of describing a chat with a friend in my opinion.

Many of us here are experts in various fields which are replete with jargon, much of which consists of specific meanings ascribed to words which are in common usage in the general population or in other fields with different meanings. This specialised language is very useful for communicating precisely and efficiently with collegues. When talking to people in general however it is not helpful to use specialised terminology in this way, at least not without a full explanation, as it invariably leads to confusion and misunderstanding, if not resentment and accusations of obfuscation.

In this case I'm afraid, you end up sounding a bit like Humpty Dumpty - 'When I use a word,' Humpty Dumpty said, in a rather scornful tone,' it means just what I choose it to mean, neither more nor less.'
 
GadaffiDuck said:
To fizz etc, the whole point was not to go to the police, get social services involved or make mountains out of molehills (not unless there was something there that couldn't be 'fixed'). Indeed, as I have said, the family are very much of the upbringing that DOES not go to social services, have counselling etc. Think old fashioned middle class - keep it in the family, modern version of stiff upper lip. It is also a version of the view that I believe in - self reliance.

This is your goddaughter we're discussing here. A vulnerable child who, you tell us, has been adversely influenced by a charismatic personality whom you allege is supplying drugs. Please forget the "stiff upper lip", call the police and make the school aware of this individual. "Keeping it in the family" may be the parents' attitude, but it doesn't help anyone else's family if you allow him to continue acting in this way.

If what you say is true, I think you may have to revise your own attitude to dealing with problems if you wish to become a good therapist. Advocating a version of "self reliance", "stiff upper lip" and "keep it in the family" may not be successful in helping damaged people to heal.
 
Sorry again all. Throw, I wasn't being condescending, if it came across as such, please accept my ap'ologies - I fully apologies for my useless 'netiquette'. I should point out that I am quite stuffy and get 'academicy' at times - I sorta end up in lecturing mode as a default. As such, in typing I know my meanings get sometimes lost in translation. For the record, I actually am trying to post in a manner which is less ambigous, academic or rude. PLease bear with me.

Fizz: The school thing is a no go. Especially, as things are now good and my friend's daughter is studying again and her habits are back to what they were. One of the important things was getting the whole family to talk. So, there were issues about age and responsibility, fashion, school etc. These appear to be resolved. I have suggested that in future, if things start to fray, that they seek private (note private not social services) help.

Re: this magicy guy, I have not complained but I know that community officers now regularly come into the cafe in question - I assume that this is because of allegations of dope and/or booze.

I personally have no desire to go through a more official route, nor would the family. I am protective of my friends - Please believe me when I say that privacy is very often the better route (at a starting point). Indeed, this is one of the key skills in negotiation and mediation.

Finally, I will not discuss this subject in more depth. If people have any genuine concerns, questions etc, then PM me. I am sorry that some people have had a bee in their bonnet, and I am sorry if my posting style was understood to mean something different to different people. I am happy in the knowledge that I own (and have studied hard for) and am happy with my integrity. Whether you agree or not, we shall leave as moot. What we maybe should discuss is the dangers of magical thinking, and I will also listen to any advice on how I can report this guy without exposing myself to the circus that will ensue.
 
GadaffiDuck said:
Sorry again all. Throw, I wasn't being condescending, if it came across as such, please accept my ap'ologies - I fully apologies for my useless 'netiquette'. I should point out that I am quite stuffy and get 'academicy' at times - I sorta end up in lecturing mode as a default. As such, in typing I know my meanings get sometimes lost in translation. For the record, I actually am trying to post in a manner which is less ambigous, academic or rude. PLease bear with me.

Fizz: The school thing is a no go. Especially, as things are now good and my friend's daughter is studying again and her habits are back to what they were. One of the important things was getting the whole family to talk. So, there were issues about age and responsibility, fashion, school etc. These appear to be resolved. I have suggested that in future, if things start to fray, that they seek private (note private not social services) help.

Re: this magicy guy, I have not complained but I know that community officers now regularly come into the cafe in question - I assume that this is because of allegations of dope and/or booze.

I personally have no desire to go through a more official route, nor would the family. I am protective of my friends - Please believe me when I say that privacy is very often the better route (at a starting point). Indeed, this is one of the key skills in negotiation and mediation.

Finally, I will not discuss this subject in more depth. If people have any genuine concerns, questions etc, then PM me. I am sorry that some people have had a bee in their bonnet, and I am sorry if my posting style was understood to mean something different to different people. I am happy in the knowledge that I own (and have studied hard for) and am happy with my integrity. Whether you agree or not, we shall leave as moot. What we maybe should discuss is the dangers of magical thinking, and I will also listen to any advice on how I can report this guy without exposing myself to the circus that will ensue.

hear hear. let's not get bogged down in this any more. and GD, no offence taken at all, I am however now more likely, in return, to point out from my professional standpoint that it actually sounds like you can't cook for shit when you start talking about that particular topic ;) :D
 
:lol: What dontcha like my mash then? (stop clutching your heart) - I reckon one day we ought to do a Fortean dinner party (MMM ...Phantasm of Beef...or would that be ghoulash :? )...BTW, I am also aware that my posts have been considered to be somewhat of a 'rash' over the board - this is now stopping. I would rather be friends (who differ - this goes to all posters) than, as on like some nameless boards, people who flame over disagreements.

If possible, can we start again - everyone?
 
Your mash could be considered Fortean in that it actually defies science (double cream is 48% fat) ;)

yes to the last part
 
Thank you. :D

I would say that my mash rocks - but 'schlurps' is probably more accurate. Wait a sec...48%...sounds a bit 'lite' to me - what you need is some more butter...def more butter :lol: However, blame Mr Ramsey's Passion for cooking (methinks). I am only a humble technician. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
 
GadaffiDuck said:
Sorry again all. Throw, I wasn't being condescending, if it came across as such, please accept my ap'ologies - I fully apologies for my useless 'netiquette'. I should point out that I am quite stuffy and get 'academicy' at times - I sorta end up in lecturing mode as a default. As such, in typing I know my meanings get sometimes lost in translation. For the record, I actually am trying to post in a manner which is less ambigous, academic or rude. PLease bear with me.

Fizz: The school thing is a no go. Especially, as things are now good and my friend's daughter is studying again and her habits are back to what they were. One of the important things was getting the whole family to talk. So, there were issues about age and responsibility, fashion, school etc. These appear to be resolved. I have suggested that in future, if things start to fray, that they seek private (note private not social services) help.

Re: this magicy guy, I have not complained but I know that community officers now regularly come into the cafe in question - I assume that this is because of allegations of dope and/or booze.

I personally have no desire to go through a more official route, nor would the family. I am protective of my friends - Please believe me when I say that privacy is very often the better route (at a starting point). Indeed, this is one of the key skills in negotiation and mediation.

Finally, I will not discuss this subject in more depth. If people have any genuine concerns, questions etc, then PM me. I am sorry that some people have had a bee in their bonnet, and I am sorry if my posting style was understood to mean something different to different people. I am happy in the knowledge that I own (and have studied hard for) and am happy with my integrity. Whether you agree or not, we shall leave as moot. What we maybe should discuss is the dangers of magical thinking, and I will also listen to any advice on how I can report this guy without exposing myself to the circus that will ensue.
Galantly done sir :)
All friends here.

(Don't get me started on mash .....)
 
Thanks you. :D

Look right! :lol: The mash...the mash...it's a good and happy mash - its feeling get hurt easily. It only wants to be eaten...(yes, it may...just may..kinda...be loaded with fats...) but....ah, who am I kidding - tastes good, bad for the heart :lol:

To throw: are you away of a 'cold soup' predominantly made from garlic and cream (I think it is a Polish recipe)?.


Note: yes I am accused of using loads of cream and butter in my 'splosh' cooking. guilty as charged. However, am a good bunny when it comes to salt....one hand gives..the other....
 
*Sorts through, lifting posts and glancing underneth*

I'm sure there was a thread about Fradulent Psychics under here somewhere.
 
Okay, my mash is correlated to accurate predictions (ahem..don't parse this sentence) ;) . As a thoroughly fraudulent medium meself, I predict that it (the mash) in quantities could cause health problems. :lol:
 
GadaffiDuck said:
Sorry again all. Throw, I wasn't being condescending, if it came across as such, please accept my ap'ologies - I fully apologies for my useless 'netiquette'. I should point out that I am quite stuffy and get 'academicy' at times - I sorta end up in lecturing mode as a default. As such, in typing I know my meanings get sometimes lost in translation. For the record, I actually am trying to post in a manner which is less ambigous, academic or rude. PLease bear with me.

Well the first thing you can do is climb down out of your own backside and stop treating everyone round here as though they're a bunch of thickos who know nothing and you know everything. Try making your posts less condescending and patronising rather than ambiguous and academic.

People don't mind you being academic as long as you accept other's view points as well and see them just as valid as your own, especially if they want to question something which has raised a few eyebrows.

As for starting again, that would be nice too.
 
Wow, how academicy-like of you, Tyger! ;)
 
Dead uncle 'told girl, 10, to have sex'
June 02, 2008

"A MAN pretended to contact a girl's beloved dead uncle through seances to introduce her to sexual behaviour, a court in Adelaide has been told.

The 54-year-old from Glynde has pleaded not guilty to six charges of indecently assaulting two girls and one of unlawful sexual intercourse with one of the girls between 1981 and 1982.

Crown prosecutor Adam Kimber told the District Court in his opening address the man had been in a relationship with the mother of one of the girls and had been entrusted to babysit at times while the mother worked at night.

Mr Kimber said it was alleged the man used the girl's affection for an uncle who had passed away to introduce her to sexual behaviour.

He said the man would conduct seances and pretend he could communicate with the then 10-year-old girl's dead uncle.

Mr Kimber said the man would talk about how the girl's uncle wanted to kiss her and commit other sexual acts with her.

He said the man used the girl's uncle as a "springboard"."

Article:
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/stor ... 53,00.html
 
Anybody who thinks that psychics are essentially harmless should be reminded of vile stories like the above.

On a lighter note, on the Graham Norton show last week they had Dame Edna Everage phone up a psychic line for a laugh, but the psychic told them, after taking their details and keeping them on the line for over a minute, that she wasn't picking up anything from the other side and hung up! And they still got charged something like £1.50 per minute!
 
My question is: "What is it about Adelaide?" Is it something in that crappy water?
 
Off subject. Reply to a vexing question..........

Anome_ posted:
"My question is: "What is it about Adelaide?" Is it something in that crappy water?"

While researching the Adelaide "Bodies in the Barrels" murders, I came across this quote that may provide an answer for that question:

""Adelaide is a stifled and inbred city whose subculture of degeneracy led to atrocities such as the bodies-in-barrels murders. Cities such as Sydney and Melbourne had areas of similar social deprivation to Adelaide, but these were dynamic and social societies with more outlets for people's frustrations. Adelaide is much more of a stifled, inbred community.There is no vibrant social or commercial life (in the city). The question is why do the best and brightest in Adelaide never stay around, and why few in that category come here? The answer is clear - no one with ambition thinks that Adelaide is the place for them.""


Ouch! That was from Allan Perry, an Adelaide University criminologist.
Source here:
http://www.sauer-thompson.com/archives/ ... 000830.php
 
Killer clairvoyant didn't foresee jail term
July 01, 2008

"A COLD-blooded clairvoyant who shot his solicitor dead over a grudge has lashed out at the judge who in Melbourne sentenced him to at least 24 years' jail.

John Thomas Glascott had a brooding resentment for his long-time lawyer, David Meredyth Robinson, who he blamed for losing his home in a divorce settlement.

A Supreme Court jury found Glascott, 44, guilty of murdering Mr Robinson, 56, in a lane behind his Fairfield practice on the night of July 10, 2006.

The father of three cried and begged to Glascott before collapsing and dying from blood loss.

After he was sentenced yesterday by Justice Philip Cummins to 28 years' jail with a minimum of 24 years, Glascott shouted from the dock: "Thank you for the entertaining novel, Your Honour. See you in the appeals court."

Glascott, who angrily sacked his barrister, Russell Sarah, before the judge came on the bench, told reporters in court to "stick that" as he was led away by guards.

Justice Cummins described him as aggressive, unstable, manipulative and self-centred, and said despite depression and cognitive defects from a suicide attempt, he was fully aware of what he was doing. "

Full Article:
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23 ... 21,00.html
 
Same sort of idea as a lot of the above, but i'm surprised it worked on a cold call.

Perhaps it's similar to some of the ludicrously overcharging roofers/gardeners in relying to targetting an older person whose judgement might be getting wonky.

Faith healer scam targeting Asian families in Leeds

Detectives are warning people that men posing as faith healers have been targeting Asian families in Leeds.

Two men claiming to be collecting for charity went to a house on Grange Avenue in Chapeltown on Friday.

West Yorkshire Police said the pair went on to claim the householder was ill and that black magic was affecting his home.

They spoke to the family about how they could help lift the black magic and then demanded £501 for the service.

Police said the man handed over £150 and was told by the men they would return as the black magic would not be fully lifted until the balance of the money was paid.

A similar incident also took place nearby on the same day.

Both men are described as being in their mid to late 30s, with full beards and were smartly dressed and wearing black turbans.

They spoke in Punjabi and had a good knowledge of Islamic teachings.

Insp Matthew Davison, who leads the Chapel Allerton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "The tactics employed by these men are concerning given the targeted way they appear to approaching local Asian families and the pressure they are placing on them."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-14150002
 
Some mediums and psychics are fraudulent.
Therefore: All mediums and psychics are fraudulent.
Naaa
This is sceptical logic - right? :roll: :?
 
Well, this is a thread which is specifically about fraudulent mediums.

Does what it says on the tin.
 
Some mediums and psychics are fraudulent.
Therefore: All mediums and psychics are fraudulent.
Naaa
This is sceptical logic - right? Rolling Eyes Confused

From page 1 of this thread:

stuneville said:
Perhaps it should be noted that this thread is dedicated to mediums and psychics that are proven to be fraudulent, thus avoiding the inevitable post saying "But they're all fake". and the precipitated discussion about the nature of belief in a Fortean context dragging everyone way off thread (we've been there before, more than once).
 
Perhaps in the interest of impartiality, fair play and all that, we should have an alternative thread entitled
"Genuine Psychics and Mediums"! :)
 
Good point. I'm always a bit annoyed when somebody claims that something hasn't been done, something interesting hasn't been reported, a thread doesn't exist, because somebody else should have done it.

The solution lies in everybody's own hands on this MB. If you can't find a thread on a subject and you think there should be one. Create one. ;)
 
Pietro_Mercurios said:
Good point. I'm always a bit annoyed when somebody claims that something hasn't been done, something interesting hasn't been reported, a thread doesn't exist, because somebody else should have done it.
I thought this story had been on the MB before, but various searches turned up nothing, so I'll post it here.

Psychic Sally Morgan hears voices from the other side (via a hidden earpiece)
Evidence 'Britain's best-loved psychic' Sally Morgan may not be all she seems is unlikely to deter her fans, writes Chris French
Chris French guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 20 September 2011 07.30 BST

According to her website, Sally Morgan is "Britain's best-loved psychic". She is certainly a very successful psychic – she has just released her third book and is currently filming the third series of Psychic Sally on the Road for Sky LIVING. But an incident that took place a few days ago may cause a few of her fans to wonder whether Morgan is deserving of their adoration. Could it be that, like so many self-professed psychic superstars in the past, Morgan is nothing more than a self-serving con artist?

Let me describe what happened so that you can make up your own mind. On Monday 12 September, a caller named Sue phoned the Liveline show on RTÉ Radio 1, an Irish radio station. Sue said that she had attended Morgan's show the previous night at the Grand Canal Theatre in Dublin and had been impressed by the accuracy of the readings she made in the first half of the show.

But then something odd happened. Sue was sitting in the back row on the fourth level of the theatre and there was a small room behind her ("like a projection room") with a window open. Sue and her companions became aware of a man's voice and "everything that the man was saying, the psychic was saying it 10 seconds later."

Sue believes, not unreasonably, that the man was feeding information to Sally through an earpiece attached to her microphone. For example, the voice would say something like "David, pain in the back, passed quickly" and a few seconds later Sally would claim to have the spirit of a "David" on stage who – you'll never guess – suffered from back pain and passed quickly.

A member of staff realised that several people near the back of the theatre were aware of the mystery voice and the window was gently closed. The voice was not heard again.

Sue speculated, again not unreasonably given the history of psychic frauds, that the man was feeding Sally information that had been gathered by engaging members of the audience in conversation in the foyer before the show began. This is a technique widely used by psychic fraudsters, as audience members will naturally discuss with each other who they are hoping to hear from "on the other side", how their loved one died, and so on.

Subsequent callers to the radio programme supported Sue's account.

The theatre's general manager, Stephen Faloon, claimed that the voice heard by the audience was actually the voices of two members of staff working for the theatre, not someone supplying information to Sally. Sally Morgan Enterprises also denied that the medium was being fed information during the show.

This episode is reminiscent of the exposure of faith healer Peter Popoff by James Randi in 1986. Popoff would wow his audiences by giving specific and accurate details of their medical problems before claiming to cure them with his divine powers. This information was, according to Popoff, provided to him directly by God. It was certainly an effective technique, as at this time Popoff was raking in around $4m per month (tax-free) from his poor, sick and uneducated followers.

Randi, with the assistance of investigator Alexander Jason, convincingly demonstrated that Popoff was actually receiving the "divine" information from his wife via a hearing aid. Following his exposure on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Popoff declared bankruptcy in 1987.

In a more rational world, that would have been the end of Popoff's career as a faith healer. Sadly, we do not live in a rational world. Popoff is back, earning more than ever by fleecing his flock using exactly the same techniques that Randi exposed, plus a few new ones, such as the sale of "Miracle Spring Water". According to ABC News, Popoff's ministry received more than $9.6m in 2003 and more than $23m in 2005. In that year, Popoff paid himself and his wife a combined total of almost a million dollars (not to mention two of his children receiving more than $180,000 each).

etc...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2011/ ... ars-voices
 
Neath psychic Dawn Pearson claimed £33,000 benefits
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-sout ... s-14980381

Dawn Pearson will be sentenced by a judge next month
A woman who worked as a self-employed chatline tarot reader has admitted to fraudulently claiming £33,000 in benefits.

Dawn Pearson, 50, from Neath advertised her services on the Psychic TV website.

Customers were charged £1.53 per minute while the 50-year-old claimed to be too ill to work.

She admitted four charges of benefits fraud and was released on bail by Neath magistrates to be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court next month.

Continue reading the main story

Start Quote

There have been problems of an individual nature. She had got herself into debt”

Paul Jackson
Pearson's solicitor
The court heard Pearson unlawfully claimed a total of £33,206.82 in income support, job seekers allowance, housing benefit and council tax benefit over 16 months.

Prosecutor John Allchurch, for the Department of Work and Pensions, said: "Suspicion arose that Miss Pearson was working and an investigation was instigated.

"Miss Pearson was working as a self-employed chat line tarot reader between 2005 and 2009 for one company and after that onwards for another company."

On the website, Pearson is pictured next to the description: "Dawn is an excellent Psychic clairvoyant, with many years experience.

"She uses her cards and crystals, and also her spirit guides to get a link with you.

"She is a trained Reiki healer and has been using all of her gifts to help people for many years.

"Dawn will happily discuss any pressing relationship or career questions, but can also give general guidance on self-development using her training as a life coach."

'Great stress'
The court heard she was claiming benefits because she was "unable to work due to illness and disability."

Pearson was described as a "lady of previously good character" by her solicitor Paul Jackson.

Mr Jackson said: "There have been problems of an individual nature. She had got herself into debt.

"It was partly hers but a great deal came from her generosity with regards to her mother who she was helping out with large catalogue debts at the time.

"That doesn't excuse fraud - she became desperate.

"She had brought it upon herself and wasn't brave enough to deal with it. These things do not go away and it caused her great stress."
 
May I be the first to say - she didn't see that coming! :lol:
 
Back
Top