As with every profession except a very few, there are masqueradors or quacks. There are institutions that are highly regulated such as the medical. But masqueradors still find a way to penetrate it and pretend to possess qualifications and experience they actually lack.
Now, if bad people find a way to manipulate a profession that requires certification and has established regulatory bodies, what of witchcraft that isn’t regulated by any laws of man! Byt soon enough, the liars and cheaters are discovered, named and shamed.
The existence of fake witchcraft practitioners and in any other field, should not nullify it altogether. Because for every fake practitioner, there is a good one that you haven’t discovered or interacted with. The good ones are equally plentiful. Should I say that I’m proud to be a part of the good and genuine witches. There are very many testimonies to that effect.
Your intuition should guide you into confirming that you’re dealing with a fake or a genuine healer. Ask relevant questions as well as request for proven references from satisfied clientele before you pay anyone. If something feels off, run for dear life.
Lastly, we’re not pagan as you seem to have suggested. I’m a practicing nondenominational Christian. My witchcraft practice doesn’t in anyway contradict my religious beliefs. They exist parallel, coequal, complementary and supplementary.
Those who chose to be pagan or irreligious, it is up to them. To each their own. I don’t interfere in anyone’s choice of belief system. I have never even bothered any of my thousands of clients to subscribe to my beliefs. Not even a single suggestion.
I focus all my energies to learn, understand, and relearn this profession, the reason I proudly succeed whenever I attempt a spell. It is not an accident but rather by design. I focus on refining my skills and discovering new trends and herbs that can help my clients have the best outcome through this practice.