Self-proclaimed astrologers with claims of life-altering prowess are rife on social media platforms;
with reports that consumers are falling victim to this sham and shelling hundreds of dollars out of
their hard-earned cash.

In a recent case that is currently being investigated by the Consumer Council of Fiji (CCoF),
an individual, who was facing some personal problems was lured by a Facebook advertisement of
an astrologer claiming to have abilities to get rid of the same.

The consumer paid $300 to the astrologer however, when her personal issues were not resolved, she queried the astrologer who demanded an additional $1800. The consumer refused and demanded a full refund – a portion of which is still pending.

CCoF Chief Executive Officer Seema Shandil says that scammers like this will only gain
credibility and ability to swindle money if consumers remain credulous and believe these
ridiculous and unsubstantiated claims.

“We are making it very clear and consumers need to take heed; no self-proclaimed astrologer has
the ability to change the course of your life in exchange for money. This is simply a scam meant
to prey on the gullible,” stated Shandil.

The Council has also discovered that certain astrology services are being promoted on social media
via paid advertising using taglines such as “Marriage problems, business/work problems, money
problems” and “Want to get black magic and bad luck removed?”. This shows the level of
investment scammers are making and indicates a high level of engagement from consumers.

“Romance scams is already the number one type of scam on social media and now these phony
astrology scammers along with naïve consumers are fanning the flames. It is astonishing to see
that even in this day and age where information is readily available in relation to imposters, people
continue to believe scammers who are not only saying that they can predict the future, but are
making fake promises that they have the ability to change people’s fate,” she adds.

The Council is issuing a stark reminder to these imposters that such claims and practices is a breach
of the Crimes Act of 2009 and the Council will not only be naming and shaming such phony
services but will be referring them to the Fiji Police Force. On the same note, consumers should
note that black magic is also illegal and refrain from engaging with individuals claiming to practice
the same. Consumers have the ability to make sound decisions themselves, hence should not waste
their hard earned on such self-proclaimed astrologers claiming to change their destiny.
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@CCoFiji Consumer Council of Fiji www.consumersfiji.org
The Council encourages consumers who have been victims or notice such practices to contact the
Council on toll-free helpline 155 or email [email protected]. Alternatively,
consumers can lodge complaints via the Consumer Council of Fiji Mobile App.