Think you’re a paranormal expert, and wanna win a $100,000 prize for, well, being one? Here’s your time to shine, buddy.

Australian skepticism group, the Australian Skeptics are known for “investigating paranormal and pseudoscientific claims using scientific methodologies”. In other words, they investigate weird shit, like ghosts, with a scientific viewpoint. Seems legit, huh?

Well, it sure ain’t common knowledge, but this organisation actually offers money to people for all kinds of paranormal things. Included in this is a $100,000 [WHAT?!] cash prize for anyone who can prove their psychic or paranormal powers.

But, the catch? Well, you can’t just tell ’em you’ve seen a ghost. Any person who claims to have these psychic or paranormal test must prove it “under proper observing conditions,” according to their website.

“Since 1980, Australian Skeptics has issued a challenge to people who claim to have extraordinary powers, to demonstrate their ability…”

“The first person to do so will receive a great deal of recognition and prestige as well as meeting the requirements for the awarding of A$100,000. We make this offer because we are sincere about seeking out the truth of claims that might be described as paranormal or that confront accepted laws of science.”

So, what exactly does this mean for someone keen to get their hands on a niiice $100,000?

According to the organisation, you must address these three prompts:

  1. What exactly is your paranormal claim?
  2. Under what conditions can you perform your claim?
  3. What success rate do you expect?

Then, they’ll take a long, hard look at your application. After this, representatives from the organisation and the person ready to claim their $100,000 will work together to create a test procedure. Then, “the test will be run by an approved panel of officers of Australian Skeptics. If you are successful, you will be awarded A$100,000.”

You also have to keep these rules in mind:

  1. You must be a resident of Australia.
  2. The test protocol is designed with the help of the challenger and, within the controls, is flexible. Only when both Australian Skeptics and the challenger are satisfied that the test is within the guidelines and can be successfully completed does the test go ahead. During the test an independent umpire is on hand to ensure the protocol is followed.
  3. The challenger must beat a million to one odds against a chance result.
  4. The test must give a definite yes or no result.
  5. If the challenger is found to be cheating, the test is terminated.
  6. Following a successful test, the prize will be paid to the challenger and/or any person or organisation you may nominate.

Think you or someone you know may benefit from this huge $100,000 cash boost? Just reach out to the Australia Skeptics – get on it!

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine