15/02/2022
WARNING: Hypnotists and other practitioners, please watch out for this barely legal scam, which has been ongoing for several years now. We've just gotten yet another call from a certain known podcast group, and you, too, are probably on their list. The person on the other end of the phone may seem authoritative, but at other times the salesperson will sound mechanical and bored. They will call you by your first name. This operator will tell you that they are doing a segment on hypnosis and would like to interview YOU...and then, curiously, state that the interview is free.
Free?? That's the tip-off. While we have had numbers of requests over the years for interviews on TV, radio, and podcasts, not one of them has ever noted that the interview is "free." That's outrageous--as if celebrities and prominent figures like you need to pay to be on their show!
Legitimate interviewers will court you, are honored to have someone like you as their guest, and might even pay YOU an honorarium, not the opposite.
Apparently these groups find hypnotists (and other professionals) by skimming through pages and websites.
While the salesperson will deny that they are trying to sell you something, and attempt to flatter you, seeming as if they are familiar with your reputation and your work, when you question them further you will find out that this is absolutely not the case. They are trying to get you to host your own (expensive!) podcast. These groups use predatory, dishonest selling techniques, and a number of professionals who have fallen for them have had bad experiences. Don't fall for the bait, friends.
Another new scam is receiving a call where you are being invited as a guest on a podcast that appears to be legitimate, but which is actually a way to attempt to gather personal information about you which can be used for things like identity theft. Always gather names (producer, interviewer, etc.) and as much information as you can about the group, and then do research to discover whether the show or podcast soliciting an interview from you is a legitimate one with a sound reputation. And never, never, NEVER accept an offer for an interview if they say it's free!
Please use discretion and do not fall for these scammers. And, friends, when you get a call for an actual interview on a show that real people will listen to, have fun!
