Police caution on fraudulent astrologers

New Zealand Police have cautioned the public on fraudulent and self-styled astrologers who prey on the vulnerability of some sections of the population.

In recent years, a number of astrologers have reportedly skimmed people of thousands of dollars to ward off evil effects of ‘unfavourable planets’ in their horoscope, black magic cast by rivals and ‘marital problems perpetrated by bad times.’

The Police have been asked for comment on matters that have been raised as public concerns, regarding issues relating to people responding to advertisements, that offer various forms of astrological and psychic services.

The role of the Police is limited since disputes arising out of the amount charged for services are matters for Dispute Tribunals and District Courts.

But Counties Manukau Police Constable Gurpreet Singh Arora said his Department can intervene if there was fraud (a criminal offence) was involved.

“Under section 16 of the Summary Offences Act 1981, it is an offence to act for reward with intent to deceive, by acting as a spiritualistic medium, or exercising any powers of telepathy, clairvoyance, or similar powers, or fraudulently using any device in exercise of such powers. This offence carries a fine of $1000,” he said.

Some legal experts said, ‘intent to deceive’ should be defined and proved within the legal boundaries and that victims of such fraudsters were happy to talk about it, fret and fume but would not take legal action.

Mr Arora said people seeking the services of astrologers should make inquiries about the person concerned, including his or her bona fides, their duration of operation in New Zealand, their business address and other factors.

“It is important to find out if these people are on visitor visa or work permit, since only those with valid work permits, with temporary or permanent IRD number are authorised to do business and receive money,” he said.

Mr Arora admitted that it was not role of the Police to suggest whether people should consult an astrologer or not but astrologers in general had become a subject of concern and dispute and hence feel obliged to offer their advice.

“People should exercise caution before consulting a person advertising such services. Astrology is accepted in many societies, especially among some people of Indian origin. There may be many genuine astrologers but if people are careful, they would not have cause to complain,” he said.

Practitioners may consider it normal business to provide an astrological chart at a price.

But people using such services must compare the rate charged by similar practitioners and decide if it is reasonable.

“The public should be wary of being victimised by unscrupulous individuals who may seek to exploit them. They often prey on weaknesses, make predictions and induce customers to make several visits and hand over sums of money,” Mr Arora said.

He said the Police were aware of a number of cases wherein people have been fleeced of large sums of money.

“The elderly are particularly vulnerable,” he said.

“Whilst there may be some differences between trade services, questionable investment schemes and astrological type services, anyone contemplating using such services, should first ensure that they are approaching genuine and qualified practitioners for help.”

Mr Arora said people should ensure if the person offering the services were qualified to do so, whether the charges quoted were exorbitant or reasonable and if the place of visit was safe.

Indian Newslink understands that following a sting operation by TV 3 and a Campbell Live Programme in which we had an input, most astrologers who had set up shop in Manukau city have either left the country or operating on low key. None of them has approached us for advertising their services in recent weeks.