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Alice Yan

Pet psychics in China who claim to help people communicate with their dead pets and find out if they have been reincarnated have sparked an online controversy.
The psychics charge prices of 128 yuan (US$18) to allow owners to ask their pet five questions and 2,999 yuan (US$420) for an unlimited number of questions within six months, according to a news report by Jimu News.
Finding out if their pet has been reincarnated costs between 899 yuan and 1,899 yuan (US$125 and US$260) depending on the circumstances.
Many pet owners said they believed they were scammed after they were blocked by the psychics on social media or kicked out of the chat group for the service, the report said.

One of the victims, identified as Anran, raised a Beagle dog from 2009 to 2024.
Her dog, nicknamed Qiqi, died last October from kidney disease, and she pined for her beloved pet regularly on social media.
Anran then received a message from a person called Ling who suggested she join an online chat group.
“Sister, do not be sad. They only lost their bodies; their souls are immortal and can be reincarnated. I have built a chat group for people who lost their ‘fur babies’ and we encourage and comfort each other,” Ling told her.
“If you believe in reincarnation, you can join our group,” added Ling.

Anran joined the chat group, which had more than 400 members.
She bought a 128-yuan communication service but was told that she had to wait for four days because Ling, who claimed to be a psychic, was busy with too many orders.
Later, Anran discovered that the answers from her late dog through the psychic were simply based on content she had previously shared on social media.
She also bought an 899-yuan reincarnation package and was told to pray every day until her dog appeared in her dream to tell her where it would be reborn.
When Anran complained to Ling that she did not have such a dream after a few weeks, Ling told her it was because she was not sincere, her belief was not strong or her emotions were not stable.

After Anran lodged repeated complaints, Ling blocked her on social media.
Another unidentified internet user said he joined a pet reincarnation chat group which was later exposed as a racket.
He said he was aware of at least 20 victims who had spent a total of 10,000 yuan (US$1,400). Some victims have reported the case to the police.
“My God, there are really some people who believe in pet reincarnation!” said one online observer.
“Do not let scammers take advantage of your sorrow,” said another.


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Grieving animal lovers duped into parting with cash after being told they will have a dream in which their beloved pet will tell them about its rebirth


Grieving animal lovers duped into parting with cash after being told they will have a dream in which their beloved pet will tell them about its rebirth.


Pets

Scams and swindles

China pet owners splurge on psychics to communicate with dead animals, spark debate

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Grieving animal lovers duped into parting with cash after being told they will have a dream in which their beloved pet will tell them about its rebirth

Grieving animal lovers duped into parting with cash after being told they will have a dream in which their beloved pet will tell them about its rebirth