Table Of Contents

Astrology

A sophisticated wave of online astrology scams, many operated by fraudsters in India or using Indian networks, continues to prey on vulnerable people in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and other Western countries.

Scammers pose as certified Vedic astrologers, Jyotish experts, or spiritual healers on social media platforms, websites, and messaging apps.

They typically begin with “free” consultations or birth-chart readings to build trust, then shift to fear tactics, warning victims of planetary curses, evil spirits, black magic, or severe doshas (astrological flaws).

Victims are then pressured into paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for “remedies” such as temple pujas, gemstones, yantras, or overseas rituals.

Payments are often demanded via wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or digital wallets that are difficult to trace or reverse.

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has issued repeated public alerts about this exact pattern, urging citizens to report suspicious astrologers operating on Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and other platforms.

High-Profile Case In The United States

In July 2025, Hemanth Kumar Muneppa, a 33-year-old Indian-origin man from Queens, New York, was arrested in Hicksville, Long Island.

Working at Anjana Ji, a business on South Broadway that advertised astrology readings, psychic services, and “evil spirit removal,” Muneppa allegedly convinced a 68-year-old woman that malevolent forces haunted her. After she paid him $20,000, he drove her to a local bank to withdraw another $42,000.

Alert bank employees suspected fraud, contacted police, and Muneppa was arrested in the parking lot.

He faces charges including third-degree grand larceny, attempted grand larceny, and fortune-telling.

He was initially released with an ankle monitor but was later listed as wanted after failing to appear in court.

Similar Exposés In Australia

Australian investigative program A Current Affair has repeatedly highlighted cases involving self-proclaimed Indian-background astrologers targeting families in Brisbane. One prominent example involved Govindu Shastri, who was confronted on national television after a family claimed to have paid him AUD $67,000 for curse-removal rituals and black-magic remedies.

Multiple victims reported similar experiences of escalating financial demands following initial “readings.” Queensland police have confirmed they are investigating related complaints.

Why Western Targets Are Especially Vulnerable

The scams capitalise on the rising popularity of Vedic astrology in the West, often marketed as more “authentic” and spiritually powerful than conventional horoscopes.

Operators benefit from low costs in India, time-zone advantages for contacting clients during Western evenings, and the practical difficulties of cross-border legal action.

Victims are frequently approached during periods of personal crisis, relationship breakdowns, health issues, financial stress, or loneliness, when emotional manipulation is most effective.

Many report being told to keep the “remedies” secret from family and friends, further isolating them.

Red Flags And Protection Advice

Consumer watchdogs and cybercrime authorities list these clear warning signs:

Unsolicited offers of free readings or “lucky face” compliments that quickly lead to paid services.
Dramatic predictions of doom, curses, or black magic that only the astrologer can fix.
Urgent pressure to pay large sums immediately.
Requests for personal items (photos, hair, or bank details) for rituals.
Lack of verifiable credentials or independent client references.

Authorities stress that legitimate spiritual or astrological services do not involve high-pressure sales tactics or guarantees of supernatural results. Indian victims can report via cybercrime.gov.in.

Western victims should contact their national cybercrime units (FTC in the US, Action Fraud in the UK, Scamwatch in Australia), banks for possible chargebacks, and local police.

As digital platforms continue to amplify these schemes, law enforcement agencies on both sides of the globe are stepping up monitoring and international cooperation.

In an age when many seek spiritual guidance online, experts caution: the stars may inspire hope.

However, real protection comes from scepticism and verified information, not expensive rituals paid to strangers.