Archive · 14 Aug 2025
Chinese Pet Owners Targeted in 'Psychic' Scam After Pet Deaths
Some people in China are pretending to talk to dead pets for money.
They tell grieving owners they can communicate with their pets, but they are really just tricking them.
They charge a lot of money for this, promising to answer questions or even find out if the pet has been reborn.
The answers they give often come from the owner's own social media posts, and when the owners realize they've been tricked, they are often blocked.
Many people online are angry and warning others not to fall for these scams.
Scammers in China are exploiting grieving pet owners by offering to communicate with deceased animals.
These 'psychics' charge high fees for services, with prices ranging from US$18 to US$420.
Victims report receiving generic or fabricated information, often mirroring details from their social media.
Many owners have been blocked after paying, leading to feelings of being duped and emotional distress.
Online backlash is strong, with calls for caution and warnings against exploitation of grief.
- Who
- Fraudulent psychics and grieving pet owners.
- What
- Scammers are exploiting grieving pet owners by offering fake communication with deceased pets.
- When
- October 2024 (as mentioned in the case of a victim)
- Where
- China
- Why
- To exploit the grief of pet owners and profit financially.
Victims' perspective
Scammers' perspective
Grief Exploitation
Victims' perspective
Grieving pet owners seek comfort and connection with their deceased pets.
Scammers' perspective
Scammers exploit grief for financial gain.
- Service cost
- US$18 - US$420 (approx.)
- Reincarnation package cost
- US$125 - US$260 (approx.)
- Victim reported loss
- 10,000 yuan (approx. US$1,400)
- Primary scam method
- Offering fake communication with deceased pets