One of the primary tests of a prophet--past or contemporary--are his words. Regardless of whether things come true or not, or miracles are worked--does he represent the true God, or is he leading you astray? See:
Deuteronomy 13
1"If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder,
2and the sign or the wonder comes true, concerning which he spoke to you, saying, 'Let us go after other gods (whom you have not known) and let us serve them,'
3you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the LORD your God is testing you to find out if you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
4"You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him.
5"But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has counseled rebellion against the LORD your God who brought you from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery, to seduce you from the way in which the LORD your God commanded you to walk So you shall purge the evil from among you.
compare:
Matt24:24 "For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.
and:
I Jn 5:20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 21Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
Ezekiel 13 is good to read for more info on false prophets.
Also Micah 3:11
Its heads give judgment for a bribe;
its priests teach for a price;
its prophets practice divination for money;
yet they lean on the LORD and say,
"Is not the LORD in the midst of us?
No disaster shall come upon us."
For me, one of the main question is do they prophesy to glorify God, or themselves? Do they accept an unreasonable amount money for their services? [A small amount might be acceptable--to cover modest travel and lodging expenses--not private jets and luxury hotels.] Do they follow the example of the greatest of the prophets -- John -- and say "He must increase, and I must decrease."
There's my current understanding of the issue. I don't put much stock in today's self-proclaimed, self-exalting, high-dollar "prophets" but that's just my opinion. I see them developing a following for themselves--not pointing to Christ.
Sonia
EDIT: I should have mentioned James 1 also-- if you lack wisdom, ask God for it -- don't put your trust in any man's opinion.