Has anyone ever had a reading through a website by giving your name and date of birth? I was also asked what is my status and am I employed, which made me a little suspicious because that is not a usual type of question.

I gave my details to have a free reading, which, after a couple of days, came via email, and was quite lengthy.

The reading did sort of touch on what is on my mind at the moment, but then wanted me to pay for a full reading.

I am tempted, but afraid to give my bank details. I am so afraid of being scammed.

Does anyone have any experience at this?

Many thanks!

Nightsky

Your reading will have been a generic print out that is nothing more than an advertising ploy.

Genuine psychics will give free readings to people in need or as a reward for regular or long-term clients, but I don't know any who have time to sit down and do authentic reads for the thousands of people who answer advertisements like that believing that they are truly being offered a gift..

The lengthy reading you will now pay for will also be a computer generated text and not a personal reading, done specifically for you, as are the ones done by Guild psychics.

Your replies have confirmed what my gut feeling was telling me, and you have helped me make a decision not to send money for a full reading, thank you so much.

I didn't realise that I could pay for a reading through this website. How do I go about that?

Nightsky

This is my link:
http://www.psychicguild.com/profiles_view.php

And this is the link for the main page for email readings:
http://www.psychicguild.com/readings_email.php

Thank you Victoria!

I've removed my earlier post, after a little investigative exercise.

I found that there was advertising embedded in this sites pages I could see, that no one else seemed to be able to see. This suggested the problem was possibly on my computer and not the sites. Other sites appeared to be advertised here .. or so it seemed when I looked.

I guess the overall message stands though... people who are trying to get money out of you with website generated readings and software-run readings (which is all you will get) really don't care about you... keep your money!

OK, I'm going to start again.

Ads by Google (labelled Ads by Google) are embedded in the Chat Log-In Page when I log onto it. This is the information about Ads by Google:

"Want to serve Ads by Google on your site? Try AdSense

Get paid for displaying Google ads that are relevant to your site's content
Customize ads to complement the look and feel of your site
Track the success of different formats and locations with online reports "

This means... that the Guild is receiving passive income for displaying Ads by Google on their website, ads for other sites which are supposedly similar in content. If they are not, why am I seeing it on the chat log-in page? I now suspect that the people who can't see them have more successful advertisement blocking software on their computers than I do, nevertheless they are there!

When I first saw it.. I saw "Free Psychic Readings".. and I clicked on it, to take me to a link to Sara-Fredas website. Sara-Freda is a complete scammer. The exact sort of rubbish that takes the money off vulnerable people and provides computer generated nonsense for them. After several persistent emails from her, the tone changes to advise if you do not take up her offer, then you will never have the life you desire and will have missed this one and only opportunity for her help. And the emails will just keep coming and keep coming like a persistent pimple!

The mind boggles as to why this site would want to receive income for advertising other sites which don't care at all about the people it deals with. It is not congruent with a sense of social responsibility towards people visiting this site who may inadvertently think The Guild is endorsing these types of sites.

I would really like to hear an answer from the Admin on this.

Thanks
WP

I've never seen any ads, but aside from that...
who cares?
It's not like this site bombards you with popups or anything, even if they do have an ad banner...don't click it.

This website is a business, no matter what anybody says. A business is looking to make money. There is nothing immoral about that.

This website has made no attempts to hurt or con or steal, and that's obvious.

Of course it is a commercial website, and of course it's primary objective is to make a profit. I never suggested that was immoral at all. Immorality is completely subjective anyway. However, as to who cares? Well, clearly I did.. or I wouldn't have posted. I care about vulnerable people who aren't in a good place to make healthy choices, and these are exactly the types of people those scammers prey on. And I defend my right to care, and have an opinion on it.

----------------


Goodness me, Kai! That was a rather um,... "abrupt" response (at best.) Isn't that akin to saying "if you don't wanna see the advertised porn, don't click on the porn?"

"Who cares?" "Who CARES?????" Please! Don't you feel, as I do, that WP would have mentioned it in the best interests of this site? You having a bad day? Chin up!

Oh, Kaiouken was simply voicing his opinion,too,Yinna.

Even grumpy old bears are allowed to have a say!

Thank you for informing Administration. Ads by this advertiser have been filtered from being displayed on our website using the Google Adsense software. Please notify administration via our customer service page if you become aware of other potential scams.

Fair enough. You've been let off the hook, Kaiouken. You're free to be as grumpy as you find necessary... as long as its in the guise of an opinion. (BTW: just my opinion, ya know?)

I am delighted that you have taken this action. While there are many other useful websites around people can visit... that is not one of them.

WP

Tee hee

Yeah ok so I was grumpy. Please understand, and I think that this is an important lesson for everyone, that my opinion is my opinion...and yours is yours, so don't be offended if I say something harshly. I didn't seem to offend you WP...but incase I did, I'm sorry.

I strive not to offend others and additionally not to take offense from others.

No wonder yer face keep gettin' scratched!

QUOTE(Administrator @ Sep 17 2007, 07:15 PM)

Thank you for informing Administration. Ads by this advertiser have been filtered from being displayed on our website using the Google Adsense software. Please notify administration via our customer service page if you become aware of other potential scams.


QUOTE WP

I am delighted that you have taken this action. While there are many other useful websites around people can visit... that is not one of them.

...how do I know the difference between a genuine website and a scam?

Nightsky

The second they give you a free sample reading and then in the next reply ask you for money.

If it says free it should be free. If it is going to cost you, they will be saying that up front as soon as you click the link for which ever reading you are asking for. If it is a honest website.

Peace

Lol actually, I rarely offend someone in person...but text looses that "nonverbal" element (although smilies are a good attempt )

I'm sure you don't (offend people in person.) I was having a liddle jab about the photo in your avatar with the scratched face and its band-aids. And oh yeah, some o' these...

Well with all those smilies, no wonder you keep getting headaches

I'm smiling right now. Ouuucchhh!!

Hi Nightsky.. in answer to your query.. the response to your 'free reading' will look something like this (or any different variation of):


"I have your request in front of me and in your case,
I have (almost simultaneously) two very intense visions.

- The first came clearly, showing you going into a new phase of your life.
This signifies that the changes that you have been waiting for will be realised.

- The second vision was even more remarkable.
I will tell you about it in an instant. (It is very important that you know this).

But let me tell you above all: It is very rare, between the number of requests
that I receive, that I have seen an adversity that hounds someone like this.
I see you as someone who sometimes gets very anxious, often vulnerable
and defenceless when it comes to life's injustices.

and more of this along similar lines ...

P.S.- Listen to me (your name) you will perhaps never have another chance like this to know your destiny.
I want to help your life take on a new direction.


Let me tell you about the numerous opportunities to come, and to at last
have happiness and success in your life, so don't forget contact me on :"

Nightsky, they all look very similar to the above, follow the same sort of framework, and ALWAYS require that you pay them money to get the things they promised you in your free reading initially. They are pretty much all scams, you will never stop receiving e-mails from them, and if you do purchase what they offer.. the solicitation will continue, trying to assure you become convinced you can't live your life without getting this valuable guidance. It's all POPPYCOCK!

Your 'social conscience warrior'
WP
xx

PS: This posting was somewhat edited by administration in order to shield you from the complete version of reality, and avoid the potential of any legal action against this site.

Hi Warrior Princess,

The emails I received had very similar wording, and using my name frequently, which can make it seem so personal.

The email also said that she felt an instant strong connection with me.... I think I was right not to go ahead and have a "full reading".

Thank you all for your advice, I am surprised my question has run into two pages!

Nightsky

Well, Warrior Princess...I just wanted to say that my previous statement was short sighted and judgemental...and I am sorry.
The reason I am sorry is because now I too am experiencing the terrible Google ads which were not there before
They are quite the nuisance.

I suppose the lesson that I should learn is to reacquire my empathic side...so in the future I am more understanding and then I will not be "punished" by experiencing obnoxious Google ads that nobody should click on.

Believe me it has got worse

I am getting them now too -- on every page and if I wasn't a Guild psychic I would have more to say on this ...

No worries Kaiouken.

I have keen perception, and a tendency to notice things before others do. I also have a strong dislike for nuisance psychic sites who prey on peoples vulnerable natures and who target those who are desparate for some hope, or just those who are highly suggestable. Many of the ads, appearing through google advertising.. do just that, and leave a whole lot to be desired.... enough said about that really.

There is always the argument that everyone is responsible for their own choices. However, I find that a rather lame argument myself, as it is so far removed from a collective social responsibility that I believe we should all be moving towards as part of a global consciousness. Just as we would readily protect a child amongst us, some people still have the vulnerability of a child due what is often halted development as a result of experiences in life. Lets not leave them to the vultures I say......lets voice our opinions and help people become aware of these unscrupulous people who try and steal their money and lets assist them to make stronger choices and say - no thank you.

Oh and by the way.. they are everywhere now... world-take-over by google... bow to your new God.

This was such an amusing string of posts!

i have but of course if someone ask you your bank account details is suspicious, and i never give my data.













This post has been edited because it contravened the forum rules -- moderator

Ok...... my personal experience with readings through a website. I had AOL years ago. There was a woman who like once a week had a chat and gave free readings. I used to sit and watch the room alot. I really liked to see the questions people asked and if what I thought the answer was and what she said were the same. (I know.... I probably needed a life lol) So..... there was always a long waiting list and it never came around to my turn till one day...... I was following the room and she asked me to ask my question. Well I was just shocked and I asked the first thing that came to mind. I asked what was this white fog that I at that time often found myself in. LIke it could be in the middle of the day... I could be doing laundry.... and suddenly I found myself in this bright white fog. Well.... she instantly IMed me. She said that I gave off alot of energy. She told me about "white light". She was very curious about me. She asked if she could call me. Now.... she did have a website. She did charge people for readings. She even had "psychics" in training that were working for her. Well...she did call me. She never charged me to talk to me. She did remind me that she usually was paid to talk to people. Which I found annoying. However...again she never charged me. She took an interest in me and in alot of ways helped me out. She brought me some perspective I did not have before. That is the closest thing I have to a psychic reading from a website. Actually....she never really gave me a reading. She just asked alot of questions about me and talked about being "Psychic". I knew she took it very seriously.

I saw this website advertised in The Guild, and it is the one that I was curious about: aboutastro ...

I would be very interested to know if anyone has used this site.

Many thanks!

Hi Nightsky, I haven't ordered anything from that website, but from what i see, they give computer generated responses. they take certain aspects in your chart and have prescripted information about it. Personally I think those are a bit of a ripoff, not worth the money. You can find free ones online that have good prescripted information. I'd say your best bet is finding an astrolger who actually will look at your chart and then type something up. Each individual aspect can have many different meanings given the rest of the birthchart.. so, its much more personal and accurate. They look at the overall patterns and take the whole chart into consideration. The only problem with this is it can be a bit pricey, sometimes over $100. But its much more worthwhile than those automated sites.

ps. i hope im not repeating anyone i only read that last post you made =P

Yes, I agree ... computer generated and then pay (often more than $100) if you want more info

And if you are going to pay why not go through Guild where you have the money back guarantee?

I shall go through the Guild, thank you both for your advice. How do I go about it and is there really a money back guarentee??

yes and i was not scammed .



Aj

WP, i agree. i hope you got the answers you were looking for.



Aj

this thread was really interesting!

Hello
I have, unfortunately I was duped only once but thats all it took for me to say no more, but I've also had 2 very good free readings, one was very accurate and the other was a little abstract, this was approx 6 years ago.

i went on the about astro site a few times but quickly left when i saw you needed a credit card to pay for a reading

Why don't you get a debit card nigel? I wouldn't be without mine ... they work just like a credit card but you use your own money that you already have.

maybe i will before i start working but i cant see that happening in the short term i hope i am wrong though