A new wave of "accurate" psychics

A few months ago I submitted an omnibus of complaints to the ASA regarding psychics and their "accurate" readings (all of which are detailed in this blog).

(Paul the Psychic Octopus)

The ASA felt, probably correctly, that the best way to proceed would be to have an adjudication on whether psychics could claim to be "accurate".

Apart from half a dozen that had already been resolved, all but two of my complaints were dropped.

When the ASA Council later adjudicated on those two complaints, they were both upheld in full.

I feel it's time to get the ball rolling again against this menace, so here are four more complaints about "accurate" psychics, all of them advertising in this month's Kindred Spirit magazine.

First, "Lee" the "Gifted Psychic"

"I write to complain about an two adverts appearing in "Kindred Spirit" magazine, Summer 2010 issue (p91, top left, and p94, centre).

The adverts, for Dynmark Ltd, promote a telephone psychic reading service.

I suspect that the adverts may be in breach of one section of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) code. I can provide an original copy of the adverts by post, if required.

1. The first advert (p91) contains the text:

"LEE GIFTED PSYCHIC... Relationship Specialist. I don't ask lots of questions, Simply go straight to the point with accuracy and detail".

2. The second advert (p94) contains the text:

"LEE, GIFTED PSYCHIC. Love & relationship reader. Known for the accuracy and detail in his phone readings..."

3. The ASA Council has recently ruled (comlaint ref. 122556 and 122562) against adverts for psychics whose readings are claimed to be "accurate".

4. Under Section 3.1 of the CAP Code, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that "Lee, Gifted Psychic"'s readings are "accurate".

5. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or the magazine. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser or the magazine."

Next, "Mary Jane".

"I write to complain about an advert appearing in "Kindred Spirit" magazine, Summer 2010 issue, p91 (bottom centre).

The advert, for "Mary Jane", promotes a telephone psychic reading service.

I suspect that the advert may be in breach of one section of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) code. I can provide an original copy of the advert by post, if required.

1. The advert contains the text:

"MARY JANE NATURAL MEDIUM CLAIRVOYANT & HEALER...I work with the Angelic Realms my Guides, and you're [sic] loved one's [sic] to give clear accurate in-depth readings. I am an honest, genuine and caring person, and do all reading [sic] myself. I don't give false hope only a way forward!"

2. The ASA Council has recently ruled (comlaint ref. 122556 and 122562) against adverts for psychics whose readings are claimed to be "accurate".

3. Under Section 3.1 of the CAP Code, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that "Mary Jane"'s readings are "accurate".

4. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or the magazine. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser or the magazine."

Next, a "Psychic Tarot" service.

"I write to complain about an advert appearing in "Kindred Spirit" magazine, Summer 2010 issue, p91 (bottom left).

The advert, for Dynmark Ltd, promotes a telephone Tarot/psychic reading service.

I suspect that the advert may be in breach of one section of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) code. I can provide an original copy of the advert by post, if required.

1. The advert contains the text:

"PSYCHIC TAROT 80p NEW SERVICE...Will it Last? Is it Love? Genuine accurate readings"

2. The ASA Council has recently ruled (comlaint ref. 122556 and 122562) against adverts for psychics whose readings are claimed to be "accurate".

3. Under Section 3.1 of the CAP Code, I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate their claim that the service's psychic readings are "accurate".

4. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or the magazine. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser or the magazine."

Finally, an advert for realpsychiclover.com

"I write to complain about an advert appearing in "Kindred Spirit" magazine, Summer 2010 issue, p91 (centre).

The advert, for Infodial/realpsychiclover.com and entitled "You'll know I am the REAL thing", promotes a telephone psychic reading service.

I suspect that the advert may be in breach of one section of the British Code of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (CAP) code. I can provide an original copy of the advert by post, if required.

1. The advert contains the text:

"YOU'LL KNOW I AM THE REAL THING WHEN I NAME YOUR REAL LOVER? [sic]...I will read your mind and your partners [sic], then tell you if their love is for real, what will happen next, if you will travel, receive money, find new love. What's more I will tell you the one that loves you the most. You will receive names, dates and places, you won't be disappointed."

2. The ASA Council has recently ruled (comlaint ref. 122556 and 122562) against adverts for psychics whose readings are claimed to be accurate.

3. Under Section 3.1 of the CAP Code:

(i) I challenge whether the text "I will tell you the one that loves you the most. You will receive names, dates and places, you won't be disappointed" is a claim that the readings are accurate

(ii) I challenge whether the advertisers can substantiate that claim

(iii) I challenge whether the psychics employed by the service can read the mind of the partners of customers who call it

4. I confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser or the magazine. I confirm that I am not involved in legal proceedings with the advertiser or the magazine."