How Online Astrologer Scams Are Targeting People On Social Media

Cybercrime has moved far beyond scammers posing as bank officials or income tax officers. Scammers have found another way to target people by posing as online astrologers. Many people today turn to social media to seek an astrologer for help with problems in their personal lives or financial affairs. However, behind many of these profiles are cybercriminals, ready to exploit people's trust.

Recently, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) alerted the public to such scams on its official X handle. "Posing as ‘online astrologers’ on social media, cybercriminals are duping people in the name of Jyotish & astrology remedies," the post stated. The post also asked the public to stay alert and report suspicious accounts or numbers through the 'Report and Check Suspect' section on the cybercrime portal.

How The Scams Work

Scammers mostly attract people through short videos or paid advertisements on different social media platforms. The videos would show an astrologer predicting someone's future accurately, which makes viewers curious. When someone contacts them for a consultation, the fake astrologer might offer the first session free or at a very low cost.

During the conversation, they slowly gain your confidence by providing seemingly logical explanations about your issues. Then, they would predict that you might face a number of misfortunes in the near future, such as family issues, health problems, or job troubles, and offer to save you from them through certain rituals or remedies.

Once the trust is established, they request money to implement those remedies. In some cases, they send a payment link or ask you to download an app to “make the process easier.” But that is where the trap begins. Through these apps or links, they can gain access to your phone or banking details and drain money from your account.

Why People Fall For It

These scams are effective because, often, when people are in distress, they seek quick answers. For one, the notion that an astrologer can help remove bad luck or fix problems is comforting to hear. The scammers are well aware of this and use fake titles, certificates, and even background setups to appear genuine. The more believable they appear, the easier it becomes to trick people into sending money.

Warning Signs To Watch Out For

If anyone claims to be an astrologer and requests money in advance for prayers or rituals, sends links or asks you to download unknown apps promising to “instantly” solve any problem, or pressures you for a fast payment, it will most likely be a scam.

What You Should Do

If you encounter such fake astrologers, please do not share personal or financial information. Do not click on any payment link or download apps they may send. Report such accounts or phone numbers through the cybercrime portal or the official 'Cyber Dost' handle on X.

Scammers often exploit people's emotions and beliefs. Remember, no genuine astrologer or counsellor will ask for your bank details or OTPs. The cybercrime centre has urged everyone to be careful while seeking astrology services online and to verify the credibility of the person before making any payment.

Cyber fraud is evolving rapidly. Pretending to be a government official, friend in distress, or now an online astrologer, all of them have the same aim: to siphon your money. Awareness and being cautious are the only ways to prevent falling into such traps.