Ways Spirits Will Manipulate You:

Disguising themselves. They may present in a way that makes you think of something or someone else! They may take the form of a different type of spirit, a deity, or even one of your family members! We’ll look at them and just assume they are what they look like. To avoid this: you can create a layer of your circle or ward that makes spirits present as they truly are.
Taking a different name. This is similar to faces, but with names! If you ask for a deity’s presence and someone shows up, they may just say, “Yeah, sure, I’ll be whoever you want me to be, just give me that wine.” Or they may claim a popular name (”I’m Satan. I’m Julius Caesar. I’m David Bowie!”) to try and either intimidate or make you idolize them. To avoid this: assume that if it sounds too good or big to be true, it probably is. Always ask spirits for confirmation, and have THEM say who they are without you handing them the name. Especially with deities, they should have no problem just saying their names; lesser spirits may try to avoid it.
Inflating your ego (or deflating.) You’re the chosen one. You’re a member of royalty in my realm, or could be if you do what I say. You have amazing potential and just need guidance from me. Alternatively, you’re incredibly weak. All the other spirit workers can do X. This is pointless for you unless you do what I say. They are capitalizing on your insecurities to make you feel dependent on them. To avoid this: know that you will never NEED a spirit to accomplish things. Know your strengths and weaknesses and understand they can all be improved without losing your agency.
Trying to seem necessary. I’m your spirit guide! I’m your guardian angel. I’m the only one who holds the key to X thing. In all likelihood, whatever service they’re providing can be accomplished with someone else, if the relationship is not working or is toxic. However, a spirit will make themselves seem indispensable, if it means they can keep reaping the benefits. To avoid this: make the conditions of any agreement very clear, and reserve your right to break a contract if you need.
Gaslighting. Sometimes spirits will just straight up lie. They may act “out of character” or show their true nature, but blame it on your imagination. They may say they “only lied to test you.” They’ll guilt trip you for thinking they might ever dare do the thing. They’ll find reasons to excuse their bad behavior instead of apologizing or, say, not behaving badly in the first place.To avoid this: know the ways people can verbally manipulate others (it is mostly the same with spirits and physical humans) and be vigilant. Call it out when you see it.

Spotting a Malevolent “Guide”:

When first getting into any type of entity work, one of the first things people tend to do is look for some sort of guide. Be that a Higher Self, patron deity, spirit guide, guardian angel, whatever you want to call it- just something more powerful and knowledgable than us to keep us on the right path.

I believe most entities are generally good, or at least aren’t motivated to harm us. That said, there are those with something to gain from taking advantage of us. A practitioner in search of a guide is a juicy target, because they’re often inexperienced and naive. Consider everything we’re willing to do to please someone we consider a mentor. Here’s how to spot a phony:

There’s a bad feeling in your gut. This is the first and most important one on the list. If something feels off, something feels wrong, even if there’s no obvious reason why, listen to your gut. It’s the most energy-sensitive and accurate tool you will ever have.
Their identity is shady. This is especially true if they’re claiming to be a deity or any big entity with a name you’ve heard before. A deity should have no qualms just saying who they are, whereas an impostor may try to dance around saying it explicitly. They may pull a “you know who I am” or just confirm whatever you give them. Asking them to prove their identity for your own security should never be offensive.
They’re isolating you from other sources. Are they encouraging you to avoid certain books, certain (not harmful) activities and people? Watch out. By making themselves your only resource, they keep you from learning info that would expose them and keep you reliant on them. Mentorship shouldn’t equal total dependence on them.
Their instructions are harmful. There’s something to be said for doing something outside your comfort zone, but there’s a clear difference between that and something destructive. If a “guide” is telling you to harm folks (including yourself,) mess with your diet in an unhealthy way, abandon helpful behaviors, etc., then that entity does not have your best interests in mind.
You’re giving more than you’re getting. The relationship is more about what you’re giving them, how you’re serving them, and doing what they say, but you aren’t actually learning anything. Your growth is not proportional to what you’ve been putting in to receive their guidance. They may keep delaying your lessons or only dolling out #wisdom instead of useful advice. You’re stuck constantly trying to ‘prove’ you’re ready.

This spirit is bad news! What do I do?

Don’t blame yourself. It happens to the best of us, and getting duped or manipulated is never your fault. Consider it a learning experience.
Tell them to leave. The deal is off, you’ve caught onto their bs, and it’s time for them to leave you alone for good. Lots of spirits will willingly peace out once they’ve been caught. If they refuse to leave…
Banish them. Break out the sage bundles, the candles, the heavy metal music, whatever you need to do. If you need, ask a trusted friend to help. Even online pals may be willing to just send you some energy.
Cleanse everything. Cleanse your space, cleanse your tools, cleanse yourself. Get rid of any lingering energies the phony may have left.
Ward everything. Set up your security system so that the phony can’t return, and other fake guides can’t get in.
Tattle. If the phony was claiming to be a deity or another entity with a name, feel free to let the real entity know. “Hey Apollo, there’s a harmful spirit ‘round these parts who’s claiming to be you.” Rest assured they will handle it accordingly.

Source: will-o-the-witch