To never want to phone one of these 'psychic lines' again

[Bishopston]

I phoned one of these on Saturday and they basically ripped me off for £25. I know I was stupid to do it in the first place - learned my lesson the hard way. They are very sneaky.

Well don't then.

I can't believe anyone in this day and age doesn't realise these phonelines are a rip off.

im no psychic but i could have guessed that

YABU. Clearly. How are you meant to work out what's going to happen in the future if you don't ring the psychic phone lines?

I know. I was just desperate to see how the next 2 or so years would pan out.

Ywbu to do it in the first place, but you know that. Do you really think anyone will come on and day, no yanbu, they are fabulous value for money and you should call back.

im not psychic but i could have prophesied that

Sneaky? How so?

are you saying you were not aware how much the phonecall was costing? or just that they are con artists, rather than genuine? The second point is obvious, the first one, you might have reason to complain about if their ads or whatever did not make costs clear.

of course you are NBU to never call them again, nor are the millions of us sensible people who would never dream of doing it EVER

How are they sneaky when you were silly enough to fall for it.

The only person in control of your next two years (or any years) is you.

Ive had a VERY bad 6 months ... By anyone's standards - I'd been deceived very badly but nerdy 'cleverly' by a "friend" with AWFUL consequences. Just wanted to see if things would improve for me in near future.

I was just desperate to see how the next 2 or so years would pan out

and you really genuinely thought these phonelines would do this?? rather than it being 'just for a giggle' like at the fair?

But yes YouTheCat - I admit to realising exactly that before I phoned!

Look, I'm trying to be kind here as obviously you have had a tough time and are anxious. BUT, did you not think even more carefully about the chance of being conned, given that you have just been badly deceived and let down by someone you thought you knew and could trust ???

Put the last 6 months behind you. There is nothing you can do to change them. Learn from what you've experienced and hope you have a better next 6 months.

To be honest PHANTOM from the distant past I know the vast majority were a con, but one seemed accurate. I knew it would probably not be useful but on Saturday night I felt desperate. Pleased to say that state of mind hasn't lasted.

But yes YouTheCat - I admit to realising exactly that before I phoned!

^^ then why still phone???? genuinely do not get why you would, being of sound mind, do this. ESPECIALLY when in a vulnerable state.

And yes PHANTOM re your second comment - you have a good point.

Just be thankful that's it's only 25 you lost. Some people spend hundreds or thousands on them. Look up your stars if you want some harmless guess work about your future!

Next time you are feeling that desperate/anxious or whatever, is there not a friend or relative you can just call for a chat, or to meet up? Heck, even phone the samaritans and talk through some of your anxieties and worries about the future. Or post on here for advice? Or find a hobby to do or new exercise class to go to?

I know the vast majority were a con

They're all a con. All of them.
Hope you feel more positive about things soon.

Next time you feel desperate, come to Mumsnet. Even if you just click on a few things to distract you. Or phase out with a good film. That's what I do if my mind is going into over drive.

It is too easy to be judgemental and say "anyone who is stupid / gullible enough to ring these lines deserves to be ripped off".

Not everyone is bright or well educated enough to see through these scams, and those who are not should be protected, not ridiculed. There is a good case for legislation to protect the vulnerable.

Thanks for your supportive comment YouTheCat. And PHANTOM as I mentioned in my above comment 'On Saturday night I felt desperate.'