Danielle
Las Vegas,#2Consumer Suggestion
Wed, December 17, 2008
Margaret Allen (Psychic Advisor) is still using this scam at the Centennial Hills Walmart. She used the same tactics mentioned in the Rip Off Report posted for 12/12. (Thanks so much for this site, by the way, as the information really helps). This happened yesterday, December 16th, 2008. Margaret approached her "target" at Walmart asking about an item in the woman's cart and then changing the subject with the question about believing in psychics. When the woman responded that she did, Margaret drew her to the an area where they would not be bothered and asked the woman not to say anything to the employees in the store. Margaret said she had a "message" for her. The woman gave her some money and Margaret told her there was money waiting for her - $16,000-$17,000 to be exact. She also told the woman she had negativity around her heart and that Margaret could help her remove this. Margaret questioned the woman as to what two wishes she would ask for - what she wanted in life and then proceeded to tell the woman that there was a man in her near future. The woman thanked her for the info and said she would have to think about the treatment Margaret suggested for the negativity around her heart (some candle magic thing) and Margaret gave her a business card - again with the instructions not to call untill after 8pm. The woman targeted is a client and very dear friend of mine. I am a spiritual counselor and intuitive and she contacted me about this incident. I find this scam upsetting as it takes advantage of trusting people who really are open to other insight. Not only does it take advantage of their trust and remove money from their pocket, but it makes them doubt their own judgment (not to mention, it gives other intuitives a bad reputation). Here are some hints from me that may help others in the future avoid such scams: 1. If someone approaches you with a message and tries to make it very secretive, like they have something to hide - run. If they are authentic they will have nothing to be afraid of. Soliciting inside another business is usually always frowned upon. 2. If they use leading questions like - what are your two wishes - this is to draw you in deeper - to gain information as to what buttons they can push. 3. If they make promises that they can lure your lost love back into your life, bring your money, fame or fortune - this can only be done by you. No one can cast a spell and have that kind of power over your life or anyone else involved in your life. 4. If they keep asking for more money - again, run. People who give readings charge a flat fee for their sessions. It is not so much money per question. Even when you call a psychic hotline you are charges a rate per minute. I have had times when I have been in public where I will get a message for someone. I have approached people to see if they were open to the information and if they were, I gave them what came through for them. I have never asked for money to so this, as it came to me - they did not seek me out for the information. Keep in mind too, I don't read people's minds while I am out and about (or otherwise for that matter) but sometimes there are important messages that come through. When I give someone a message, I also give them my card - with my website, email and phone number - in case they have a question about what came through for them. I offer this free of charge, because again, they did not seek me out for the information - it came through for them. I do this not to promote myself or market, but because this is how I use the gifts I have - to help other people. Always trust your instincts. If you are getting a bad vibe about someone like this, ask to call them back at a later time. If the messages they have are real and necessary, the universe will find a way to present them. Sincerely, Danielle Las Vegas, NV