The Jordan Harbinger Show 894: Psychics and Tarot Cards | Skeptical Sunday
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Sep 10, 2023 In this engaging conversation, comedian and fact-checker David C. Smalley shares his insights on psychics and tarot cards. He humorously questions why psychics aren't prosecuted for fraud when their abilities are so dubious. The discussion reveals how psychics often exploit vulnerable individuals, particularly the grieving and elderly. Smalley also critiques the ethical implications of psychic deception, leading to a fascinating exploration of cold reading techniques and the psychological tricks that keep people believing in these supernatural claims.
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Psychic Fraud as Larceny
- Exploiting vulnerable people is illegal, like charging for a service you cannot provide.
- An example is a psychic diagnosing a curse and requesting money for removal, then disappearing.
The Curse of the Expensive Items
- A psychic conned a wealthy family by claiming expensive items caused a curse.
- She kept the items under the guise of safekeeping, effectively stealing them.
Filling in the Blanks
- People often fill in the blanks and create connections during psychic readings, making vague statements seem specific.
- This, combined with the desire for the reading to be true, enhances believability.