Since its creation in 1987, INAD has been actively committed to combating abuses and scams linked to occult and divinatory practices. INAD emphasizes the importance of protecting vulnerable people, often targeted by self-proclaimed clairvoyants, charlatans and individuals with questionable motivations. These merchants of illusion often exploit the psychological distress of more or less vulnerable people, in search of answers, aggravating their worry, their suffering… We remind you that victims of these abuses have several recourses to assert their rights. Indeed, any misleading commercial practice is punished by article L121-1 of the Consumer Code, which condemns false advertising and unfair practices. In addition, those who falsely present themselves as clairvoyants or mediums may be prosecuted for fraud, an offense defined in article 313-1 of the Penal Code, which punishes any deception aimed at improperly obtaining goods or money.
It is also useful to recall the information obligation to which professionals are subject. According to article L111-1 of the Consumer Code, the latter must provide clear and transparent information concerning the nature of the services, their prices and their methods of execution. Failure to comply with this obligation may give rise to claims, thereby strengthening the rights of victims in civil proceedings. Consumers turning to clairvoyance are often experiencing existential difficulties, seeking comfort and answers to their concerns. This vulnerability makes them ideal targets for charlatans infiltrated in the divinatory arts profession, who exploit their ignorance and weaknesses through false promises, such as the return of a loved one or protection against supposed curses. Among the most widespread scams, we find that which consists of making clients falsely believe that they can find a loved one, resolve relationship problems through occult work, or get in touch with a loved one who has passed away, for exorbitant sums. The exploitation of consumers’ suffering, credulity and/or naivety under the cover of illusory clairvoyance represents a serious attack on their dignity. These fake professionals not only discredit the profession but also harm honest practitioners. Solidarity between victims is an essential lever to put an end to these fraudulent practices. By denouncing usurping clairvoyants and other specialists in chimeric occult work, victims can come together and initiate collective actions, such as group complaints, in order to amplify their voice and obtain rapid judicial recognition. This approach also allows legal costs to be shared, making access to justice more affordable. Civil action, in contrast to criminal action, constitutes a direct route to obtaining compensation. Victims can claim damages based on false advertising, imaginary occult work fraud or failure to provide information. Case law tends to increasingly recognize the responsibility of these pseudo-professionals, thus encouraging victims to assert their rights.
As a general interest association, INAD plays a fundamental role in supporting victims and providing clear information on the credibility of occult practices, as well as the legal remedies available. Through legal action, increased awareness among rigorous practitioners and solidarity between victims, it is possible to reduce the impact of these abuses and strengthen consumer protection against the dishonest practices of a cohort of self-proclaimed practitioners. A sanitized world of clairvoyance, devoid of usurping professionals, could once again become a source of support and guidance, rather than a fertile ground for fraud.
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