In recent months, an unusual and controversial practice has been making headlines in China — self-proclaimed psychics claiming to communicate with dead pets and even determine their reincarnation. What might sound like a mystical service to some has increasingly been exposed as a calculated scam targeting grieving pet owners, exploiting their emotions for profit.
Reports reveal that these so-called mediums charge anything from modest amounts to exorbitant fees, while providing generic or fabricated information, often taken directly from the owners’ social media pages. The story has sparked outrage online, leading to calls for greater awareness and legal action.
The Rise of Dead Pet Communication Scams in China
The pet industry in China has grown significantly over the past decade, with millions of households treating dogs, cats, and other animals as beloved family members. This emotional bond has created a niche market for services that claim to bridge the gap between the living and the deceased. Psychics advertising themselves as “animal communicators” promise to connect grieving owners with their departed companions, providing answers to questions about their well-being in the afterlife, and, in some cases, their reincarnation.
According to The South China Morning Post, such services are marketed through social media groups and messaging platforms. Customers are charged around 128 yuan (approximately US$18) for a package that allows five questions to be asked.
For those who want more, there’s a staggering 2,999 yuan (around US$420) option, offering unlimited questions for six months. A separate service — determining whether a pet has been reincarnated — costs between 899 yuan (US$125) and 1,899 yuan (US$260), depending on the claimed complexity of the “case.”
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While these prices might seem excessive, the emotional vulnerability of grieving pet owners makes them susceptible to such offers. Many customers report joining large online chat groups with hundreds of members, where psychics encourage them to share stories and photos of their pets, supposedly to establish a connection. In reality, these personal details often become the source material for the answers the psychic later provides.
Victims Speak Out — How the Scam Works
Several victims have stepped forward to share their experiences, revealing a clear pattern in how the scam operates. One such case is that of a woman named Anran, who lost her Beagle, Qiqi, to kidney disease in October 2024. While still mourning, she was contacted by a woman named Ling, who invited her to join a chat group of more than 400 grieving pet owners.
At first, Anran purchased the 128-yuan package for five questions. The answers she received were eerily similar to posts she had made on her personal social media — a strong indication that the psychic was not receiving messages from the other side but rather recycling publicly available information. Still holding on to hope, Anran then bought the 899-yuan “reincarnation package.” She was told to pray every day until Qiqi appeared in her dreams to reveal the location of her rebirth.
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Weeks passed, but no dream occurred. When she questioned the psychic, Ling accused her of lacking sincerity and emotional stability. Soon after, Anran was blocked from all communication, effectively ending any possibility of a refund.
This is not an isolated case. Another netizen reported that at least 20 victims collectively lost around 10,000 yuan (US$1,400) to similar scams. The playbook appears consistent: lure grieving pet owners into chat groups, charge for supposed communication or reincarnation services, and then disappear — either by blocking them or shutting down the account entirely.
In many cases, the psychic manipulates the victim’s emotions, blaming them for the failure of the process, thereby avoiding responsibility while deepening the victim’s feelings of guilt. This psychological pressure often prevents victims from speaking out immediately, allowing the scam to continue unchecked.
Public Backlash and Calls for Action
The revelation of these scams has prompted strong online reactions in China. Social media platforms are flooded with posts condemning the practice, with many netizens expressing disbelief that such exploitation could occur in broad daylight. One widely shared comment reads, “Do not let scammers take advantage of your sorrow.” Others argue that while some may genuinely believe in spiritual communication, there should be strict regulations to prevent fraudulent activities that prey on vulnerable people.
Some victims have reported the incidents to the police, but the challenge lies in proving fraud in cases involving spiritual claims. Since psychic communication is inherently unverifiable, scammers often operate in a legal gray area. However, when clear evidence of deception — such as copying from social media — is presented, law enforcement may be able to classify the actions as fraudulent under existing laws.
Authorities have occasionally warned the public about online scams involving fortune-telling, astrology, and other supernatural claims. Yet, specific guidelines for pet communication services remain absent. Consumer rights advocates are now calling for new regulations that address this growing niche, ensuring that grieving pet owners are not exploited in their time of vulnerability.
The controversy also raises deeper questions about the human need for closure and the lengths people will go to find it. For many pet owners, the sudden loss of an animal leaves a void that is difficult to fill. In this emotional state, even skeptical individuals may be tempted by the promise of a final “conversation” with their pet. Unfortunately, this desperation is precisely what scammers exploit.
Looking ahead, there is hope that increased awareness, combined with law enforcement action, will curb such practices. Online communities are already taking steps by warning members about suspicious profiles and encouraging them to verify any claims before making payments. Some have even set up peer-support groups to help grieving pet owners cope without turning to costly and potentially fraudulent services.
In the end, while the desire to connect with lost loved ones — whether human or animal — is deeply human, it’s essential to recognize that grief can cloud judgment. By staying informed and cautious, pet owners can protect themselves from falling victim to scams disguised as spiritual services.