Author: Fiona Broome

Buying or Selling a ‘Haunted House’

bw-house-headnear-150h-coloI’m not an attorney, and I’m not licensed to sell real estate.

The following is not intended as legal advice, or any interpretation of the law. It’s just a starting point for people who own a haunted house — or a home with a ‘haunted’ reputation — so you can learn whether that fact must be disclosed during the sale.

The fact that a house that is haunted, or has a reputation as ‘haunted’, might be a material fact that the seller must disclose. Some realtors recommend telling the prospective buyers, while some attorneys have other opinions. (See links in my “Resources” section, below.)

Many states have laws the directly address the ‘haunted’ issue. Others more generally talk about ‘stigmatized’ property, and the significance of the stigma (such as a ‘haunted’ reputation) is decided on a case-by-case basis.

If you have questions, I strongly recommend talking first with a realtor, and then with an attorney who specializes in real estate and property law.

I also suggest consulting a professional ghost investigator who is trained to rule out weird — but entirely normal — problems that can make a house merely seem haunted.  Most of those issues are covered in my book, “Haunted or Not?”

Is that house really haunted? Read this book to find out.RESOURCES

 

SOME STATE LAWS RELEVANT TO ‘HAUNTED’ REAL ESTATE SALES

 

California Civil Code § 1710.2
Colorado Rev. Stat. Ann. § 38–35.5–101
Connecticut Gen. Statutes. § 20–329dd
Delaware Code Ann. title 24, § 2930
Florida Statutes § 689.25
Georgia Code Ann. § 44–1–16
Hawaii Rev. Statutes § 467–14(18)
Idaho Code § 55–2802
Kentucky Rev. Stat. Ann. § 207.250
Louisiana Rev. Stat. Ann. § 37:1468
Maryland Code Ann., Real Property § 2–120		 Missouri Ann. Stat. § 442.600
New Mexico Stat. Ann. § 47–13–2
Oklahoma Statutes title 59, § 858–513
Oregon Rev. Stat. § 93.275
Rhode Island Gen. Laws § 5–20.8–6
South Carolina Code Ann. § 27–50–90
South Dakota Codified Laws § 43–4–44
Texas Property Code Ann. § 5.008(c)
Utah Code Ann. § 57–1–37
Virginia Code Ann. § 55–524

Tenney’s Greycourt Ghosts – the Gorrill Brothers (MA)

tenney-reportfrom-125Two ghosts on the Charles H. Tenney property (Tenney Gate House and Greycourt Castle) may be the Gorrill brothers, or their residual energy.

In my opinion, this part of the site’s history has been badly overlooked.  Ghost hunters may strike paranormal gold around Tenney Castle Gatehouse in Methuen, Massachusetts (USA).

I’ve investigated the Tenney Gatehouse property several times. Each visit was more startling. It’s a great site for ghost hunting.

The Gorrill brothers are just part of the story. The main site – often called Tenney Gatehouse (or Tenney Castle Gatehouse) – includes the former Tenney family residence, and what’s left of a modern-day castle, Greycourt.

When the house was on the verge of collapse, it was rescued by the Methuen Historical Society. Today, the Tenney/Greycourt site has been renamed the Methuen Museum of History.

Here’s the short version of the story

Nathaniel and Mark Gorrill (also spelled Gorrell) were brothers.  In the mid-to-late 1800s, they lived in their parents’ home near the site where Greycourt Castle was later built.

Greedy ghosts of Methuen, MassachusettsAccording to local legend, the brothers fell in love with the same young woman.  She rejected both of them, but both blamed the snub on the other one.

The brothers never married, never left home… and never spoke to each other again.

Though they shared a home, they claimed not to be related to each other.  (In the census records, they reported “something other than direct relationship.”)  They also claimed exactly equal interest in the house and their farm income.

Additional stories suggest that, under the cover of darkness, the brothers used to sneak out of the house.  Each one buried his half of the money somewhere at the hill near their home.

Neither wanted the other one to have access to the money, even if one of them died first.

In the early 20th century, someone in Methuen had a dream about buried treasure at Greycourt Castle.  According to the story, he dug in the basement of the Castle and found the brothers’ treasure: $20,000 in bonds.

Are Greycourt’s Ghosts Really the Gorrill Brothers?

There are several problems with the buried treasure story.

The biggest one is that Castle was probably built after the brothers had died.  (There’s no census record for them after 1880.)

Also, the Tenney family still maintained the house (no neighbor would have access to the basement) at the time of the story.

The Hidden Treasure – Lost and Found?

But, there is one report to support the tale of discovered bonds: In 1909, the estate of Mark S. Gorrill reported that his bonds were missing, and asked for replacements.

The story of missing treasure surfaced again in 2005, when some workmen claimed to have found money that matched the Gorrill legends.

However, their tale didn’t make sense.  Police charged the men with stealing antique money that was found on a nearby 200-acre farm, not at the Tenney site.

Maybe the Treasure Is Still There.. Along with the Gorrill Ghosts

That said, if one or both of the Gorrill brothers really buried their money (in gold or silver coins) at the hill, it’s probably still there.   Most websites that specialize in buried (and missing) treasure continue to list the Gorrill brothers’ fortune as missing, and still buried in Methuen.

In addition, with a lifetime grudge like the brothers’, they’re probably haunting the treasure regularly, making sure the other brother doesn’t steal it.

My “gut feeling” is that the brothers haunt the Greycourt Castle area.

When the site is open for ghost tours, it’s definitely worth investigating. Be sure to walk along the path in back of the main building, and climb to the top of the hill. Several points are especially active.

And, if you’re like me, you may feel that chilling sensation of being watched by something unseen… and ghostly.

humorous ghost divider

Trivia: Charles H. Tenney is not the only Tenney associated with a tale of hidden treasure.

According to an 1888 story, John L. Tenney (b. 1855 in California) — then living in Catron County, New Mexico — was visited by a cattle driver named John Brewer.  Brewer was one of the few survivors of the “Lost Adams Diggings Curse,” and told his story to John Tenney.  (That legend was the basis of the Gregory Peck movie, “Mackenna’s Gold.”)  For more information on that buried treasure, see Wikipedia.

How to Join a Ghost Hunting Team

cem1-pdMany people have asked me about finding and joining a local ghost hunting group.

THE BASICS

First, be sure to read the articles in my free ghost hunting course, Introduction to Ghost Hunting.

From the second lesson:

Locate at least one ghost hunting group in your area. Search at Google, Yahoo, etc., using the name of your city or town, plus the word “ghosts.” If that doesn’t work, try your county name and the word “ghosts.” If that still doesn’t help, try your state or regional name, and the word “ghosts.”

If you don’t find a local group, or none of them are right for you, ask friends if they’d be interested in ghost hunting at dusk or later.

When think that you have enough people — and collective expertise — to try a ghost hunt, choose a well-known haunted site (a place that’s open to the public) and visit it shortly before dusk.

If you decide to start your own group, be sure to take my free course first, and carefully read Part 4. Learn what to think about when you launch a ghost hunting group.

COMMITMENTS

If you’re asked to sign an agreement, make sure that you can leave the group easily — and without penalties of any kind — if it’s not a good match for your interests.

If there are any “non-disclosure” terms, don’t join that group.   Be suspicious of anyone who’s keeping secrets from others.

THE MONEY QUESTION

Groups may charge a small fee to cover their actual expenses.  However, be sure you know where the money goes and be certain that you’re getting your money’s worth.

Money keyDon’t pay anyone for anything at all, unless the price is extremely low.  It’s not that the course (or whatever) isn’t worth it, but if you’re on a shoestring budget or beginning this as a hobby, for now, there’s no reason to pay someone over $100 for.. well, anything.

Of course, weekend conferences and professionally-taught courses are an exception to the $100 rule.  But, even then, don’t spend money you can’t afford.

If you pay in advance for a class, a conference, or a ghost-related event, always get a written receipt with the refund information on it.  Don’t be uncomfortable about asking for one.

You can dispute payments made through PayPal, but it helps if you have either an email stating refund terms, or a screenshot of the group/event’s website page explaining refund policies.

Here are a few other points to watch for.

  • Don’t pay anyone an “investment” fee to be part of an entourage or work with anyone.  (At least one questionable investigator is using that term to solicit money.)
  • Don’t buy supplies for anyone or any group, with the idea that you’ll be paid back in the future or given special status.
  • Don’t believe anyone’s promises that they’ll make you a star or build a career for you. (That’s another line some con artists use.)

You can learn ghost hunting without spending a cent. It’ll take you more time than if you took classes with a professional (or a good, experienced group), but you can acquire a very solid foundation in paranormal research, on your own.

MAKING CONTACT

Have patience when you contact groups.  The good ones are overloaded with work, and under-staffed.

(Each year, the media begin contacting me in July for Halloween-related interviews.  So, don’t expect quick responses from any professional-level group, from September through mid-November.)

Affiliate with no group until you’ve worked with them for at least a month.   Well, except TAPS, maybe.  (That is, the real TAPS and their family of investigators, not some group that’s illegally using the TAPS name.)

Other than that… get a good sense of whether the chemistry works and if their views fit with yours, before you make any kind of commitment.

IN GENERAL

Most ghost hunting groups have a website.  You can usually find them with Google, combining “ghost hunting” and your town or city name.

If a group has been around for at least two or three years, and you respect the members, ask if you can join them for a few ghost hunts.

If you can’t find a local group, go to free events at bookstores, etc., related to paranormal topics.  (They’re most popular around Halloween.)  Ask friends at school or work if they’re interested in ghosts and haunted places.

Find at least two or three people to explore ghost hunting with you, and you’ll soon attract others with similar interests.

The vast majority of ghost enthusiasts are wonderful people and you’ll enjoy your research with them.  However, it’s smart to be cautious at first.

Use common sense.  Don’t be afraid to admit if you’re uncomfortable with a person or a group, or if a haunted location seems “not right.”  Leave immediately, and then see if you can figure out what bothered you.

Participate in ghost research and investigations as long as it’s fun and interesting.  That could continue for a month, a year, or much longer.

With no formal system of credentials and certification, this field can seem confusing to newcomers.   However, with just a little experience, you’ll soon learn the questions to ask and what to look for when you accompany a group on an investigation.

The 5 Most Haunted Places in Austin, Texas

5 most haunted places in Austin, TexasAustin, Texas is a wonderfully haunted city.  Its ghosts are more colorful than most, with the kinds of histories you’d expect from a “Wild West” city.

From former corrupt sheriffs to colorful madams, and from cursed bricks to the ghost of a US President, Austin may have more ghosts per square foot than any city in America.

Many of Austin’s ghosts linger because they want to, not because they’re stuck in our earthly plane.

These are the five places that I’d visit with just a brief time to investigate Austin’s ghosts.

1. The Driskill Hotel

You have to stay somewhere when you’re in Austin, so why not stay at the city’s most elegant, haunted hotel?

In my book, The Ghosts of Austin, Texas, I devote an entire chapter to the Driskill’s great ghosts. (The Driskill information in that book remains valid, but neighboring Austin locations may have changed in recent years.)

The lobby has at least two ghosts.  One is a little girl who follows a bouncing ball (that manifests as an orb) on the staircase near the front desk.

Almost directly across the lobby from that staircase, a small room was once the hotel’s vault.  It’s haunted by the cheerful ghost of a Depression-era hotel manager.  When the banks closed during one financial crisis, the Driskill’s manager opened the vault and handed out cash to patrons.  He trusted them to return the money when they could, and every one of them did.  His ghost lingers through hard times and good, occasionally greeting guests in slightly outdated formal wear.

Be sure to visit the Maximilian Room, for some of America’s most haunted mirrors.  (For their tragic history, see pages 18 & 19 in my book about Austin’s ghosts.)

Note: I’m not sure if that mirror is still in the Maximilian Room, and if it’s still haunted. Here’s what you need to know about haunted mirrors:

Upstairs, in addition to famous ghosts such as LBJ, you may catch a glimpse of the phantom hotel security guard.  He’s always on the job, striding quickly through the halls. He’s making sure that everyone is safe and sound in this magnificent hotel.

2. Buffalo Billiards [Closed]

Location: 201 East Sixth Street, Austin, TX (Buffalo Billiards may have closed, but that address may still be haunted.)

Buffalo Billiards was less than a block away from the Driskill Hotel.  In 1861, as the Missouri Hotel, it was Austin’s first “boarding house” and a popular place for a cowboy to find a date… for an hour or so.

When I investigated the area, the former brothel was one of Austin’s most popular night spots. At the time, I said: “Stop in for a drink and some food, and you’ll see tourists, locals, and scantily-clothed ghosts among the crowd.”

Now, it’s closed, per this article: Buffalo Billiards, A Longtime Downtown Austin Bar, Closed Permanently.

3. The Spaghetti Warehouse [Closed]

Location: 117 West Fourth Street, Austin, TX (Per Yelp, it’s now closed.)

When you’re ready for a good, filling meal, Austin’s Spaghetti Warehouse is the place to eat… and encounter ghosts.

Ask your waiter about the latest ghost sightings at the Spaghetti Warehouse.  Most of the staff seem to have first-person stories to share.

In addition to quirky poltergeist activity, ask about the ghost who appears as a man – or just legs – around the restaurant’s vault.

An alternative, still open for business (2023): Stroll up the street to the upscale gay men’s bar, Oilcan Harry’s.  (In fact, it’s the oldest operating LGBTQ+ bar in Austin.)

There, look carefully for one of Austin’s most colorful ghosts, the late madam Blanche Dumont.  She’ll be among the dancers.

4. Texas Capitol Building

(Start at the Visitors’ Ctr: 112 E 11th Street, Austin, TX)

Day and night, you’ll see ghosts around the Capitol building.  The most famous is probably Governor Edmund Jackson Davis (1827 – 1883) who is seen gazing from a first-floor window.  On foggy and misty days – especially around mid-winter – and around dusk, he’s seen walking on the paved paths around the Capitol building.  He’s tall and has a mustache, but people most often comment on his chilling stare.  He often pauses when he sees someone, stares at them, and doesn’t move until they’ve passed him.

If you’re at the Capitol, be sure to walk past the Texas Governor’s Mansion.  It has a dramatic history with multiple hauntings.   I recommend early morning photos at the mansion grounds, as well.

5. Oakwood Cemetery and Oakwood Annex Cemetery

Location: Navasota St., Austin, TX

Oakwood Cemetery and its annex may be Austin’s most beautiful and haunted cemetery.  There, you can visit the graves of many of Austin’s ghosts including Susannah Wilkerson Dickinson and Ben Thompson.

Interested in ghost hunting in haunted cemeteries? Here's a quick way to get started.Most of Austin’s cemeteries close at dusk – and you should not visit that area alone at any time, but especially as nightfall approaches.

However, if you visit that neighborhood with friends, and the cemetery is closed, you can take photos through the openings in the fences around Oakwood.

(If you’ve been in the cemetery during the day, you’ll know exactly where to point your camera to capture eerie, phantom images.)

Austin features many more, chilling locations where you can encounter ghosts and other frightening entities.

Some of them – such as the nightly appearance of as many as a million bats, around one downtown Austin bridge – are entertaining.

Others, such as the ghost of Jack the Ripper and his victims, are best avoided unless you have nerves of steel.

Looking for More Ghosts in Austin…?

For more ghosts (and true ghost stories) around Austin, read my book, The Ghosts of Austin, Texas.

However, as of 2023, many of those haunted locations are now closed or are under different ownership.

IMPORTANT: Sites are often haunted because of what happened at those physical locations. Whether the site is now a corporate office building or a fast-food restaurant, it may still be haunted.

Here’s what I’d said about my 2008 book:

Ghosts of Austin, Texas - bookIn its pages, I list over 130 ghosts and haunted places in and near Austin, Texas.

You’ll discover:

  • The Driskill Hotel’s many ghosts.
  • A detailed list of Austin’s most haunted cemeteries and some of their most infamous graves.
  • The eerie connection between Austin and Jack the Ripper.
  • Why the Shoal Creek Curse lingers over Austin and – possibly – surrounding communities.

And – if you live in Austin or you’ll be there for a few days – my book includes haunted sites around Austin, including Columbus, Texas.

(I describe Columbus’ strange history and many ghosts as something like a “theme park for ghost hunters.”)

The editing in this book is typical of when it was published – at the peak of the Ghost Hunters craze – but you won’t find a more complete (and personally researched) book about ghost hunting in Austin.

It’s the original guide to ghost hunting in Austin. If you’re serious about paranormal research it’s still the best way to find the physical locations of real ghosts when you’re in Texas’ capital city.

Find it at Amazon: The Ghosts of Austin, Texas, by Fiona Broome.

 

Ghost Hunters – How Much Do You Charge?

How much do ghost hunters really charge?

Here’s what you need to know

  • Most investigators don’t charge residents who are worried that their home is haunted.
  • However, many ghost-hunting teams charge businesses—including hotels and restaurants—that want to advertise that they’re haunted.

Between those two extremes, I think it’s reasonable to expect a client to cover your travel expenses. That should include meals, especially if you’re investigating overnight.

If sleeping accommodations aren’t available at the site, investigators should be offered local lodging—perhaps at a Fairfield Inn or a similar budget hotel.

No investigator should be expected to work late at night, and then drive many miles – especially on an empty stomach – back to his, her, or their home.

What actual ghost hunters said in 2009

In June 2009, when ghosts attracted peak interest, I conducted a poll.

That’s when serious ghost-hunting investigations were relatively new, and ghosts were trending in the news.

I asked readers how much they charged clients, and these were the results:

poll-chargesJune2009In 2009, in real-life conversations, most agreed with the poll results:  They didn’t charge the client anything at all.

Or – if travel expenses were involved – they asked the client to pay for gas and to arrange lodging.

Investigators who charged over $200 were also very forthcoming.  Back then, the figure that I heard most often was $350 plus expenses. That increased if the team included more than three people.

Four-figure amounts were not rare when the team included professionals and six or more experienced investigators.

2021 update: In recent years, this has changed. Most ghost-hunting teams do not charge anxious clients to investigate homes.  But, teams are more cautious about which locations to investigate.

Ghost hunting seems to be trending again, which may create fresh interest in having professionals investigate a home or business. So, we might see a return to 2009 fee levels—or not.

Supply and demand?

Client fees and investigation services seem difficult to discuss, even among professionals who otherwise agree on almost everything.

Some say, “You get what you pay for.”

Others insist that investigations are an essential part of our research. So, we shouldn’t charge anything.

I think the poll speaks for itself, to understand the financial side of investigations.

If someone is troubled by an apparent haunting in their home, it’s probably easy to find a team – especially amateurs, and those looking to build their portfolio of investigations – to conduct the research free of charge.

If someone wants to hire a professional team, the fees are likely to be $200+ for that service.

My policy? Ask for travel expenses.

When I investigate private homes—a rare occurrence in recent years—I expect the homeowner to cover my travel expenses.

If the site uses my research to improve its business (such as a restaurant or hotel that wants to claim it has ghosts), a fee may be involved. It depends on whether I’m intrigued by the location.

A site like the Myrtles Plantation or Tudor World (the Falstaff Experience)…? As long as my expenses are covered, I’m delighted to investigate. My past experiences at both of them were memorable.

When I always say no.

If a site has health risks, such as a building with a recent rat infestation, or asbestos and black mold, I’ll say no.

No exceptions.

Also, I won’t go into dangerous neighborhoods, day or night.

Consider the client.

When homeowners are frantic for help, I usually look for ways to reduce or eliminate their costs.

I know that – by the time a homeowner or tenant contacts ghost hunters – they may have had medical bills or stress has taken a toll. Usually, they’re not in a financial position to pay professional investigators.

For ghost-hunting teams

Carefully consider investigation requests. Be especially cautious if a site is old and badly maintained—or if it has (or might have) poltergeist activity.

Also, be sure you’re insured against damages the client may claim.

Remember: Poltergeists rarely respect costly vases, or the personal and replacement value of china that’s been in the family for seven generations.

Get everything in writing, ahead of time. If travel expenses will be covered, make sure you receive them in advance.

If it’s a commercial site (hotel or restaurant) ask what they expect from you, such as evidence – audio or video – or a certificate they can display. The site owner may also want quotes or reviews they can use in their advertising.

Be skeptical. I’m not saying that all victims of haunted sites are exaggerating, but some are, or mental health issues may be involved.

This is important: In recent years, I’ve seen an increase in demonic activity at some sites. So, be very sure the potential client isn’t describing something dangerous.

Ghosts and demons are two different categories.

Most ghost-hunting teams – including my own – are not skilled demonologists.

If a site might be troubled by demons or malicious entities, refer those clients to a local priest, minister, or skilled (and trusted) demonologist.

A warning for homeowners, tenants, and business owners

Check references!

Some people claim they’ve been ghost-hunting for years.  Ask them for evidence of their expertise in the field, and double-check it.

Learn the best – and worst – that’s said about researchers you’re considering.

Be sure the investigation is worth the cost

If you’re a home or business owner, be sure you’re hiring a competent team.

Then, be prepared for the truth.

Your site might not be haunted. It may just need repairs.

From my experience, about 80% of haunted buildings can be debunked. The usual problems:

Also, ghost hunting is not a field where haggling is the norm.

If you respect the team enough to want their opinions, pay their standard fees.

The best investigators will tell you whether or not they think your site is haunted. They’ll also advise you about what you can (and can’t) do about the ghosts.

Investigating? Here’s what to do.

If you’re part of an investigation team, be honest about your expertise. Avoid mimicking what you’ve seen on TV. Listen to the client. Note everything.

  1. Examine the site during the day to debunk as much as possible. That includes checking for level floors, bad wiring (elevated EMF), normal drafts, and so on.
  2. Investigate during the time of day when the site has the most paranormal activity. (That’s not always after dark.)
  3. Then, return to the site in the daytime, for one final attempt to debunk the phenomena.
  4. Advise the client on what you found, what you didn’t find, your theories, and what they can do next. (Don’t just abandon them if the site seems haunted to you, too.)

If you’re not willing to do all of that for each client, with expenses covered (if necessary), have an honest conversation with them.

Perhaps a scaled-back investigation is enough.

Or, maybe another team might be better suited for the job.

Scams and Con Artists in Ghost Hunting – What to Look for

Is that a real ghost hunter… or have they been pretending, perhaps for years?

It’s a legitimate question.

Some people look at ghost hunting, and they see gullible people. Con artists see an opportunity for financial gain, celebrity status, or power.

Sure, some people think they’re more skilled than they really are.

They’re not con artists… or they don’t start out that way.

When I talk about scammers and con artists, I mean the people who look you straight in the eye and tell you lies.

All they care about is personal or professional gain.

Here’s what to look for.

The Biggest Cons Are About Money

The first rule is: Never give or loan money to anyone without getting a signed, dated receipt. (It’s a good idea to have a long-time, trusted friend as a witness, as well.)

I don’t care how nice the person seems. If it’s a loan, also have the terms in writing before you give the person anything.

Create a contract. It doesn’t have to look super-formal. Handwritten is okay.

Include the following in it.

    • When the loan was made, and the full names of the people involved.
    • How much it was.
    • If the loan will be repaid over time, list expected repayment amounts and dates, and what will happen if those terms aren’t met.
    • When it’s going to repaid in full, and what will happen if the loan isn’t repaid on time.
    • Interest (if any) you’re charging, or if you’re not charging interest.

And, never give or loan money that you can’t afford to lose.

Keep your money safe. Then, look for other signs of a scam or a con artist.

After all, most legitimate businesses – or those starting a business – go to a bank, a credit union, or immediate family for short-term loans. Online options include sites like GoFundMe, Kickstarter, and so on.

If the person is asking you for money, instead of borrowing from usual resources, ask yourself, “Why?”

Know the Warning Signs

  • Con artists are charming… sometimes too charming.
    They tell great stories, as if they’ve lived the kind of life you’d like to live. They seem to be successful or they look like rising stars. You feel like you have a connection with greatness.
  • Con artists collect friends as quickly as possible.
    This is partly because they’ll lose so many friends, as people become suspicious. The larger scammers apparent entourage or fan club, the more you’re likely to believe their extravagant claims.
  • Con artists seem to have dazzling credentials.
    Their friends include famous people. Their degrees (or titles) are impressive. They talk about their past experiences, pending TV shows, and celebrity events they’re planning. Their claims are so extravagant, you think, “Who’d make this up?”
  • Con artists separate people so they don’t swap notes.
    A con artist leads you to believe that you’re one of the only people he likes and trusts. He says he doesn’t trust this person… and then that one. Following his advice, you’ll stay away from them. The con artist knows: if you got together and exchanged stories, his lies might be exposed.

Lies Are Their Downfall

Con artists get a thrill – an adrenaline rush – each time they lie and get away with it.

They can’t stop lying for very long… and they’re often lying on a grand scale.

Check the person’s claims and credentials.

Check all of them, not just the first few that he or she mentions. (I’ll talk about the con artist as if the person is male, but there are no gender limits on scammers.)

Check These Types of Claims

Ministers

Let’s say that he claims a degree or a title, such as ‘doctor’ or ‘reverend’. Ask what kind of degree (or title) it is, and where it came from. Anyone can become a legally ordained minister, for little or no expense.

Here’s one resource: the Universal Life Church

Certified

As I mentioned in my article about certified ghost hunters, “certification” only means someone or some organization issued the person a certificate.

For example, until mid-2021, students of my free Ghost Hunting for Beginners Course were offered a free Certificate of Completion on the honor system.

Then, 90% of people clicked from the course page to the certificate download page, without taking the lessons. So, I discontinued it, but those certificates are still out there, so be wary. Ask questions to determine if they actually took – and completed – the course.

In general, anyone can print that certificate and claim that it means something… but really, it’s only as good as their sense of integrity.

Higher Education and Degrees

Some mainstream universities give honorary degrees. I’ve been awarded a few of those, myself.

It’s flattering.

There’s nothing wrong with having that kind of title, and some do require actual work to achieve the degree.

However, it’s not really a formal, four-year+ degree.

If it’s a degree from a university, check the university’s alumni records office.

Ask if the person is a graduate of the school, college or program. (Many schools proudly post an online list of some of their former registered students and graduates. In some cases, you can also use classmates directories, online, for more information.)

Please note that many universities offer extension school courses, online study, and other legitimate educational opportunities that can lead to a degree.

However, to receive a degree from that institution, most (not all) students must be formally accepted to a degree program.  A paper trail usually exists.

Diploma Mills

Some “diploma mills” offer degrees (for a fee), too.

If you’re not sure about the college or university, research them. Even if they claim to be accredited, their accreditation may be fake.

Hereditary Titles

If someone claims a British (or other) hereditary title, check Wikipedia. It lists the qualified holders of hereditary titles, including their actual surnames, and when the title was created.

People in the U.S. – and other countries where formal titles aren’t awarded — can be dazzled by claims to a real title.

Always check the person’s credentials, no matter what their IDs say.  Fake IDs are available everywhere, and con artists know that a convincing fake ID is a smart investment.

If the person claims to have a title, look it up.

For example, here’s one page at Wikipedia, listing people who hold the British title of Marquess: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_marquessates_in_the_peerages_of_the_British_Isles

If the person’s title is vague but you know their legal surname, David Beamish maintains a list of members of the United Kingdom peerage from 1801 to the present day, and he has indexed it.

It’s at http://website.lineone.net/~david.beamish/peerages_az.htm and other pages at that website. You’ll also want to check Wikipedia’s list of the Peerage of England.

In many countries, someone can legally change his first name to “Lord” or “Baron,” and so on. So, don’t be too impressed if the person’s driver’s license, passport, or library card shows that kind of name. (For example, filmmaker Sacha Baron Cohen isn’t an actual British baron. But, unlike con artists, he doesn’t seriously pretend to be one.)

You’ll find other legitimate lists of hereditary titles if you search using phrases like “list of [country] nobility.”  Here are a few:  French nobility – Lists of French noble families (in French) –  Lists of nobility (at Wikipedia)

Celebrity Connections

If the person claims to have worked with or for a celebrity, confirm that. Find the official website of the celebrity, and contact the person’s manager or press agent. Ask if the celebrity has worked with the person who’s making the claim.

If the person claims to have been a paranormal investigator for many years, there should be clear evidence of that, online.

Even if the person didn’t have his own website, other people will have mentioned the person, at least in reference to a case, a “ghost story,” or an investigation.

You can see how long ago they registered their domain name by using a WhoIs lookup.

(I’m not being critical of people who are new to the field; many are excellent researchers.  This article is about lies that reveal a con artist.)

Cast Members and Media Appearances

If someone suggests that they’ve been on a TV or radio show, or appeared on stage, check that online. Go to the show’s official website and search for the person’s name.

(Remember that anyone can add a comment after an article or in a forum, making it appear that someone was in a show.  You’re looking for official cast lists and official lists of guest stars.)

A claim may seem harder to verify if the show was cancelled years ago.  It’s not that difficult.  In most cases, show information remains online for years, even decades after the show is all but forgotten.

The following are a few older ghost-related TV shows sometimes used as references. This kind of “reality” show became so popular, a complete list would be very long.

Some con artists prefer to claim they were on shows so old, it’s difficult to find a reliable list of cast, crew, and guest stars. The following links may help, and some shows include full cast lists at IMDb.

Every major ghost-related TV show and movie is represented by at least one webpage or website.  If all else fails, check IMDb and Wikipedia.

If You Find a Con Artist, Tell Others

Fortunately, few people in ghost hunting seek a shortcut to fame or fortune… or plain old control over others, aka a “power trip.”

Almost any person’s claims and credentials can be verified using independent sources.

Don’t assume that the person is “too nice” to lie to you, or their friends are too bright to be conned. The more impressive the person’s stories and claims, and the more convincingly they tell them… the more you must verify them, independently.

If the person is a con artist, it’s better to find out early. Thankfully, scams and con artists are a tiny minority. (To quote the movie, Grease, “They’re amoebas on fleas on rats.”)

Avoid them when you can. Report them to law enforcement if they may have committed crimes.

Though it’s important to be watchful for scams and con artists, it’s also important to keep things in perspective.

The vast majority of people who work in paranormal fields are just like you. They’re kind, sincere and genuine. You’ll meet many of them at events, investigations, and in the field. They deserve your friendship and admiration, and they make ghost hunting even more personally rewarding.

19th century divider - leaf

Yes, I Was Conned

Over 10 years ago, I was conned. I wrote this article shortly after that painful truth came to light.

Even now, I’m not sure how many people were involved.

It was a clever ruse, and I fell for their extravagant claims. They talked about money, celebrity connections, TV appearances, and more.

I thought no one would make that up. It seemed so easy for anyone to fact-check their claims, I didn’t bother. (Big mistake on my part.)

Then, one of them went too far.

He mentioned a connection to a noted family (with relatives in my hometown) and – instantly – I knew he was lying.

I quizzed him further, expecting him to correct the obvious error.

He didn’t. In fact, he dug himself in, even deeper.

That’s when I began looking into his other claims… and everything unraveled.

In fact, one associated con artist gave the most damning evidence against the guys who’d conned me (and too many others).

The associated con artist was doing damage control, in case he was revealed as an opportunist, too. (Eventually, he was.)

I’m still sad about what happened, but I had to speak up.

Those of us who’d trusted the guys… we looked foolish.

Some friends had lost thousands of dollars. Charges were filed against the con artists.

The tragedy is, the highest-profile member of the team was a truly gifted psychic.

He made poor personal and business choices, and that brought him down.

Since then, I’ve also learned about convicted sex offenders (be careful around strangers in dark settings) and other criminals in the ghost hunting field.

Other Ghost Hunting Professionals Were Conned, Too

A few years ago, professionals revealed alarming financial issues with my former manager.

Thank heavens I’d stopped working with him long before his problems came to light, but I feel so very sorry for friends who lost money to him.

Worse, he’d been using my name to gain access to celebrity acquaintances and wannabe stars alike.

Please be cautious, even when the individual or team seems bright, fun, and on the brink of becoming celebrities.

Be especially wary if your “gut feeling” tells you that something’s not quite right – or has suddenly changed – with that person.

Trust your instincts, and question everything.