vinegarTarot reader Rebecca Skolnick has faced over 50 instances of impersonation on Instagram since she began offering professional card readings in 2018. The pattern of these scams typically involves someone duplicating Skolnick’s account, reposting all her photos with a similar username, and then engaging followers with a spiritual message. Often starting with “Hello, love,” followed by a prompt about receiving a psychic reading.
Skolnick, with over 11,000 followers on Instagram, frequently receives messages from fans who mistakenly paid impostors for readings. The prevalence of scammers and impersonators has left her and many other tarot readers and mystical practitioners feeling drained and frustrated.
“It’s concerning to think that people are unknowingly seeking guidance from scammers,” Skolnick expressed. “These individuals are investing time and money in fraudulent services that don’t align with what I offer.”
The issue has escalated, prompting one tarot reader to establish a website for solutions. In May 2023, Skolnick joined Moonlight, an online tarot platform launched in March 2023, addressing identity fraud within the professional tarot industry. Moonlight, founded by Danielle Baskin, positions itself as the premier online tarot reader marketplace, emphasizing legitimacy and security.
Baskin described Moonlight as “SaaS for witches,” highlighting its innovative approach in an industry often lacking recognition and regulation. The platform’s scheduling and payment features contribute to its credibility, filling a gap in the market for online tarot services.
Source: www.theguardian.com
