Psychics and Mediums: The Legal Landscape in the UK

By Jon Donnis

Psychics and mediums have always sparked curiosity, fascination, and, of course, skepticism. From claims of contacting the dead to offering predictions about the future, many people believe in their abilities, while others remain doubtful. In the UK, there is no specific law directly regulating psychics or mediums, but they are still bound by general consumer protection laws, fraud regulations, and rules designed to protect vulnerable individuals. Let's take a look at how the law deals with psychics and their claims, and how things have evolved over the years.

Unlike some professions, psychics and mediums in the UK do not need any formal qualifications or licensing to practice. This lack of regulation means they can operate freely, as long as they do not make fraudulent or misleading claims. While psychics are free to charge for their services, the law steps in when claims become specific, falsifiable, or deliberately deceptive. For example, if a psychic says they can contact the dead and charge money for it, but it is shown to be false, they might be in breach of the law. The problem is that many psychics keep their claims vague, such as saying "I sense a presence" or "The spirits are guiding me." This leaves plenty of room for interpretation and makes it difficult for the law to take action.

One important law worth mentioning is the Fraudulent Mediums Act 1951, which made it illegal for anyone to claim they could use spiritualism or other similar methods to deceive people for financial gain. In theory, psychics could be prosecuted under this law if they misled people into believing they had genuine supernatural abilities. However, the act had significant limitations. It was difficult to prove that a psychic was intentionally deceiving someone, and the law was rarely enforced. Over time, the Fraudulent Mediums Act was seen as ineffective and was eventually repealed in 2008, replaced by more modern consumer protection laws.

After the repeal of the Fraudulent Mediums Act, the UK introduced the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (CPRs) in 2008. These regulations aimed to protect consumers from misleading business practices, including psychic services. If a psychic makes a claim that cannot be proven, like guaranteeing contact with a loved one from beyond, they could be violating these rules. However, just as with the Fraudulent Mediums Act, it is tricky to bring a case against psychics because their claims are often vague. If a psychic says "I believe I can help you find answers" or "I feel a presence," it is hard to argue that they are actively trying to deceive someone.

The Fraud Act 2006 is another piece of legislation that could apply to psychics. If a psychic makes false claims with the intent to deceive for financial gain, they could be charged with fraud under this law. However, again, proving that a psychic knowingly misled someone is difficult, especially when their language remains open-ended. Many psychics operate in a way that makes it hard to pinpoint clear deceit. They often say things like "I sense someone nearby" or "The spirits are speaking to me" without offering concrete proof, which makes it difficult for the law to get involved.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) also plays a role in keeping psychic advertising in check. If a psychic makes misleading claims in their ads, the ASA can investigate and ask for the removal or revision of the advertisements. This ensures that psychics do not advertise things they cannot prove, like promising to contact the dead or predict the future with certainty.

Another important issue in the regulation of psychics and mediums is the potential for exploitation, especially of vulnerable individuals. Many people turn to psychics in times of emotional distress, such as after the loss of a loved one or during personal crises. Psychics who take advantage of people's vulnerability by offering false hope or charging excessive fees for services can be seen as exploiting their clients. While there are laws designed to prevent aggressive or coercive practices, proving exploitation in the case of psychics is difficult. The line between providing comfort and exploiting someone's grief can be blurry, and as a result, psychics are often able to operate without facing significant legal consequences.

The legal framework surrounding psychics and mediums in the UK has evolved over time, but there remain gaps in regulation. The repeal of the Fraudulent Mediums Act 1951 in 2008 reflected a shift towards more modern consumer protection laws, but proving fraudulent claims or exploitation remains a challenge. The general approach of the law has been to focus on preventing misleading advertising and fraud, but due to the subjective nature of psychic practices, many psychics continue to operate without facing legal repercussions. With the rise of online psychics, there are growing concerns about the effectiveness of the current regulatory framework. Online psychics often operate across borders, making enforcement even more difficult.

While psychics and mediums are still allowed to practice freely in the UK, they must adhere to general consumer protection laws and fraud regulations. However, proving fraud or exploitation is often a complex task. As the popularity of psychics continues to grow, particularly in the digital age, there is increasing debate about whether the legal framework should be updated to provide stronger protection for consumers. For now, psychics and mediums continue to exist in a space where their claims remain open to interpretation, and the legal system is largely reactive when it comes to addressing deceptive practices.