The astrology scam in India works for several reasons, one of which is that humans have an inherent need to know their future. If everything is going well in their lives, they want to know whether the good times will remain.
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If not, of course, they want to know when their bad times will end. In India, this aspect is culturally and traditionally added to it as well. Parents, elders and well-wishers routinely ring up an astrologer to find out when their loved ones will find happiness.
This has given rise to several scammers posing as astrologers, psychics, and others with supernatural powers who promise quick and effortless solutions to people’s problems. The scam sees them commit several crimes, from financial theft to sexual assault.
It’s a misconception that only the uneducated fall prey to such traps. In 2024, a Lucknow businessman fell for this scam, and in 2025, a female IT professional did. Of course, these are just the tip of the iceberg.
How does the Fake Astrologer Scam Work?
The fake astrologers first put a dragnet through ads. While some of these ads might end up on social media, the tried and tested way of promoting these astrologers is – surprisingly – in trains and in public washrooms. These small, snippet-like ads find home right next to other dubious ads that promise sexual wellness in a matter of days, if not hours.
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Unsurprisingly, these ads have no oversight. However, the authorities tear them up within weeks by the responsible authorities, only to be pasted somewhere else. But by then, victims get the number and contact the fake astrologer.
Once the fake astrologer connects with the victim, they take money from them under some pretext or another, and that forms the crux of the astrology scam. The victim either needs to perform special prayers or sacrifice a goat or a lamb. Basically, the astrologers prey on the victim’s gullibility and vulnerability, telling them that they have issues in their lives that only a religious event can sort out.
As a vigilant reader might have understood by now, the fake astrologer scam can get dangerous with every level of gullibility of the victim. From financial loss to sexual assault to murder, there have been several cases that end up with either or all three of these crimes.
Why is the Scam Prevalent in India?
Astrology and astrologers have a special place in Indian culture. Many genuine astrologers now offer their services via apps. Some astrologers have become legacies, like the legendary Bejan Daruwala, who left for his heavenly abode in 2020, but a business under his name is still active. Then there are celebrity astrologers like Sanjay Jumaani, who are globally recognised and acclaimed for their skills.
With such prominent astrologers prevalent in India, fake astrologers playing the astrology scam have a field day, claiming that they can solve a person’s issues quicker and at a lower price point.
How to Stay Away From The Astrology Scam
Learned astrologists hold a special place in Indian culture, and you would be surprised to know some household astrologers have the same standing as a doctor or lawyer in a family. However, these individuals have an aura of their own and definitely do not advertise themselves on the walls of washrooms. Secondly, be absolutely alert to whatever the astrologer you have spoken to asks of you or wants you to do.
Also, even if you do wish to consult an astrologist, there are several well-known ones you can contact, some of them even available online via apps. Another good way to stay away from an astrology scam is to only read about what the famous astrologers predict for your sunsign – something that is available for free online or even in print newspapers.
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