Last night’s Watchdog exposed a bogus psychic, then promptly rendered their report inert. The woman diagnosed ‘cracked auras’ at every appointment, and recommended various treatments including an £800 candle. Watchdog Reporter Guy had her come around to his house for a reading, then brought in the cameras and asked her how she could justify recommending he pay nearly £2000 for his aura repair and associated ‘claptrap’. She didn’t say much.

Cut back to the studio and presenter Julia Bradbury spoke to Office of Fair Trading Guy. He did quite well. She didn’t:

of course there are genuine psychics out there as well, so what are the tell-tale signs [of 'bogus psychics]?

Watchdog thinks there are genuine psychics out there. Watchdog. Office of Fair Trading Guy emphasised that every time they’ve tracked down psychics there’s never anything genuine, and reading between the lines I think his personal position is fairly clear. But she pressed him for advice on how to avoid being duped, and his only real response was that psychics who try to scare you into readings aren’t to be trusted.

So Watchdog’s advice is that nasty psychics are probably scamming you. Nice ones, though, are fine and dandy and you can feel free to give them money if you want. Watchdog, supposed champion of the consumer, isn’t prepared to say that psychics are ripping you off. Rubbish.

Originally found via Harry’s Place. I caught the relevant section on the iPlayer.