Astrologist accused of taking customers on expensive ‘predatory’ ride
Astrologists are being accused of taking vulnerable customers for an expensive ride.
According to ScamWatch, Australians have already lost almost $100,000 to psychic scams this year.
One brave woman is speaking out to warn others, after an astrologist in Melbourne’s south east allegedly tried to charge her more than $1000 for “hocus pocus”.
The experience felt very predatory,” Jane* who does not want to be identified, told A Current Affair reporter Sam Cucchiara.
Jane said when she entered the not so magical tent of astrologer Karthik Srinivasa at the Dandenong Market, it started out like any other palm reading she’d had.
But it then took a turn.
According to Jane, Mr Srinivasa said her “family would turn their backs on me, that my employment and my businesses were collapse, that I’d never find a husband.”
“He told me that he was only telling me ’70 per cent’ of what he knew and he if told me ‘100 per cent’ I’d be sitting there crying.”
It was then the astrologist allegedly told Jane, she had “been cursed by a male in my life a number of years ago”.
Soon Jane’s purse would be cursed too, with the astrologist attempting to charge her $1300 to remove it.
“I told him that unfortunately I couldn’t afford it and he told me that it was no problem – that money would come once he removed the curse,” Jane said.
Mr Srinivasa denied he charged Jane more than $20 for her reading, after being approached by A Current Affair reporter Sam Cucchiara with her allegations.
“What you told me, I don’t understand,” he said.
“This is wrong brother,” said Mr Srinivasa’s wife, who was also manning the stall.
Mr Srinivasa denied ever charging more than $20, despite being told an A Current Affair producer was also asked for $200 to remove a curse after visiting his tent for a reading.
Jane said she’s lucky to have only parted with $130 after being asked to empty her wallet into a money box.
“When I did sit down initially and was told that the consultation was $20, I did sit there wondering how he made his money,” Jane said.
And while she believes, “what he’s doing is not illegal”, she still feels taken advantage of.
“He didn’t just rob me, you know, but he has played on my emotions and you know, it’s a form of manipulation,” she said.
