Updated
A demand for money to remove a curse is a warning sign of a scam. Being told that you or your family are cursed does not establish that a curse exists. You do not need to buy a ritual, charm or further reading to respond to this claim.
If someone uses fear to demand payment, focus on the messages, money and your immediate safety. You did not cause their behaviour by thinking negatively.
Recognise the pressure behind the promise
A spiritual belief or an ordinary paid reading is different from a claim that only the seller can prevent disaster. Watch for these patterns:
- Fear followed by a fee: the person announces danger, then offers to remove it for a price.
- A problem that keeps growing: after payment, the curse is supposedly stronger than expected and another ritual costs more.
- Secrecy and urgency: you are told not to discuss the situation, compare advice or take time to decide.
- Threats after refusal: the person says misfortune will follow unless you pay again.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service describes psychic scams involving paid curse removal and escalating demands. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre also warns about threats of a curse or collection action after payment. An intimidating message is not evidence of supernatural power.
Four practical steps when someone demands money
1. Pause further payments and promises
Do not send more money to test whether the person is telling the truth. A new fee cannot verify their original claim. Avoid bargaining about how much protection you need or providing additional personal details to make the reading more accurate.
If you want words for ending a conversation, use the examples in our guide to boundaries around spiritual readings. You do not owe the seller a debate about your beliefs.
2. Keep a clear record
When it is safe, save messages and payment records before deleting or blocking an account. Keep the original wording separate from your interpretation. A factual record is more useful than trying to prove or disprove a curse through coincidences.
Record: date and time; username, email address or phone number; the exact demand; amount and payment method; transaction reference; and any threat or promised service.
Store this privately. Avoid posting your account numbers, receipts or home address publicly while asking for advice.
3. Contact the payment provider promptly
If you paid, contact the bank, card issuer, payment app or other provider using its official contact details. Explain accurately what happened and ask what recovery or account-protection options exist. Refunds are not guaranteed; options depend on how the payment was made and the circumstances.
If you shared a password, change it and any reused passwords, and enable additional sign-in protection where available. The FTC’s payment-by-payment guide explains steps to take after a scam.
4. Report through the appropriate channel
In the United States, use ReportFraud.ftc.gov; the Postal Inspection Service handles reports involving U.S. Mail. In Canada, follow the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s reporting guidance and contact local police if you are a victim. Elsewhere, use your local consumer-protection or police reporting service.
Reporting does not guarantee an investigation or repayment. A threat of physical harm, stalking or someone coming to your home needs a real-world safety response. Contact local emergency services if you are in immediate danger.
Bad luck is not evidence that you caused a curse
A difficult period can make a frightening prediction feel convincing. An illness, breakup or unexpected bill occurring after a warning does not show that the warning caused it. Nor does feeling afraid make you responsible for someone else’s threats.
List each concrete problem and the help that fits it: a repair, a payment discussion, a medical appointment or support from someone you trust. Our guide to checking a psychic reading’s claims explains how to separate specific evidence from flexible predictions.
Support someone without shaming them
If a friend has paid, try: “That sounds frightening. We can look at the messages and payment options together.” Ask what help they want rather than taking over their accounts or ridiculing their beliefs. Embarrassment should not prevent someone from seeking help.
Be cautious about an unexpected offer to recover the money for another upfront fee. The FTC warns that recovery scams can target people who have already lost money. Check an organisation independently before sharing information or paying anyone.