See them coming…

  • See Them Coming!

    Psychics and Mediums seem to be able to tell you things about you that only a few people know. It’s amazing and strange all at the same time, yet there’s a good chance they’re not being honest about how they can tell you those things. This site is designed to help you understand the tricks often used to mislead people into thinking that someone has a supernatural gift when they don't.

    On this website you will find information on the techniques used by fraudulent mediums and psychics, examples of those who've been caught out in the past passing themselves off as a Psychic or a Medium, and ways in which you can help raise awareness and expand your own understanding.

  • Who was Barnum?

    Phineas Taylor Barnum was a great American showman who opened the famous American Museum in New York City in 1842 and immediately became well known for his exhibits of 'freaks'.

    He is often referred to as the "Prince of Humbugs" and saw nothing wrong in entertainers or vendors using hype (or "humbug," as he termed it) in promotional material, as long as the public was getting value for money. However, he was contemptuous of those who made money through fraudulent deceptions, especially the spiritualist mediums popular in his day, testifying against noted spirit photographer William H. Mumler in his trial for fraud.

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The performer uses previously gained information about the person they're reading, but pretend they didn't know the information already. Learn more!
The performer uses generic statements about the person they're reading that the majority of people could identify with.
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The performer describes the person they're reading using conflicting words. 'outgoing and reserved' which seems personal, but isn't..
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The performer throws out lots of generic information in the hope that someone in the audience will identify with it.
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Project Barnum stronly advises against handing over money for a psychic reading, but understand why it is tempting to get a reading from someone claiming to be psychic. With that in mind we have created a guide to help you avoid being scammed out of your money, and advice on what to do if you think you already have been.

Click here to read the guide


Even though the tricks outlined here generate what appears to be similar success rates as people claiming to use supernatural ability, it can be difficult to accept that Psychics are using such tricks. With that in mind we've provided some examples of psychics who have been accused by others of cheating...

Click one of our cheeky psychics below to find out more!



Sally Morgan


Sally Morgan accidentally communicated with a the ghost of a young man who turned out to be a fictional character. She also made national headlines when audience members thought they overheard people feeding her information! Oops!


Derek Acorah


Derek Acorah once channeled two ghosts while on the television show 'Most Haunted' that didn't even exist! Their names were Kreed Kafer and Rik Eedles which are anagrams of 'Derek Lies' and 'Derek Faker'. Oops!


Colin Fry


When the lights were sneakily turned on half way through a seance, Colin Fry was caught holding a trumpet that had been 'floating' around on its own moments before the lights were turned on! He was meant to be tied to the chair. Oops!