*Spirit Possession Clearing - at a price

Among the classified ads in this month's Kindred Spirit Magazine is a remarkable Ghostbusters-style operation.

UPDATE, 27 MAR: ASA conclude "...there doesn't seem to be a case to answer under the Code on this occasion...we don't consider the claims in the ad to be of the type that would require or be capable of objective substantiation. They don't make any efficacy claims about their service and we consider that most readers will understand that this is a matter of belief. Given this, we consider that the ad is unlikely to mislead."

(Image credit)

"SPIRIT RELEASING. Spirit entities/negative energies cleared from people and buildings. Attachments removed remotely using compassion and loving spiritual energy. Contact: 07702 017716/07976 327022 Mon-Fri 0830-1900 www.spiritpossession.co.uk"

Sounds about as credible as the psychic experiments near the beginning of the film, if you ask me. Time to ask the ASA...

"I write to complain about an advert in “Kindred Spirit” magazine (March/April 2010, page 95), which promotes a commercial "Spirit Releasing" and "Space Cleansing" service, www.spiritpossession.co.uk

I suspect that the advert is in breach of one section of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) code.

I have submitted a scan of the advert. The advert is on the left-hand side, labelled "SPIRIT RELEASING". I can provide an original copy of the advert by post, if required.

1. The CAP Code, Section 3.1, states "Before distributing or submitting a marketing communication for publication, marketers must hold documentary evidence to prove all claims, whether direct or implied, that are capable of objective substantiation."

2. I challenge whether the advertiser holds documentary evidence for any of the following claims:

(i) The commercial service can clear spirit entities from people and buildings
(ii) The commercial service can clear negative energies from people and buildings
(iii) The commercial service can remove [emotional] attachments [of spirits, for a particular building] remotely

3. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser, with the magazine, or with the publishing industry in general. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser or the magazine.

4. I confirm that I am happy to be identified as the complainant."