People are falling victim to self-proclaimed astrologers with claims of life altering prowess.
The Consumer Council of Fiji says this is rife on social media platforms with reports that people are losing hundreds of dollars of their hard-earned cash.
In a recent case which is currently being investigated by the council, 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 person paid $300 to the astrologer however, when her personal issues were not resolved, she queried with the astrologer who demanded an additional $1800.
The consumer then refused and demanded a full refund – a portion of which is still pending.
Council’s Chief Executive Officer Seema Shandil says this is simply a scam meant to prey on the gullible.
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?”.
She adds this shows the level of investment scammers are making and indicates a high level of engagement from consumers.
Shandil adds 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.
The Council says it will not only be naming and shaming such phony services but will be referring them to the Fiji Police Force.
On the same note, Shandil says consumers should note that black magic is also illegal and refrain from engaging with individuals claiming to practice the same.
