In the first episode, they decide that an EVP is whispering Ben Smith's full name – and since most of them did not know his last name, and in any case would have no reason to use it, Steve comes out with a big smile since that makes it paranormal.

OK … but how does this happen ?  Does Casper check on the label that mommy sewed in Ben's shorts ?

Is this an offshoot of the Universal Language Translator that ghosties get issued — they get the ability to read minds of people who come by ?   

If so, why do they have a hard time figuring out that they are dead ?