Winning Bizness Desk
Mumbai.The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre has issued a nationwide alert against a growing wave of online astrologer scams on social media. Cybercriminals are posing as certified astrologers, luring people with free consultations, building trust, and then demanding payments through fake links that drain entire bank accounts. In one such case, a victim said he was asked to pay Rs 10,000 after a free session, but his account was wiped clean after clicking the payment link. Officials have warned that distressed individuals seeking quick solutions are particularly vulnerable to such frauds.
India’s booming astrology market worth over Rs 60,000 crore
According to Redseer Strategy Consultants, India’s astrology market has surpassed Rs 60,000 crore, with the digital segment expected to grow tenfold by 2030. The popularity of online astrology is not limited to India; it is also gaining traction in the United States. Allied Market Research estimates the American online astrology market to be worth about $3 billion, projected to triple in the next five years. One of the most popular astrology apps, Co-Star, already has over 30 million registered users. A Pew Research Center study found that nearly 30 percent of Americans consult horoscopes, tarot readers, or fortune tellers at least once a year.
Astrology now guiding trading and investment decisions
Astrology has long influenced personal decisions in India, from weddings to baby names. But with the rise of digital platforms, it has expanded into new areas like stock trading. Many traders now combine planetary positions with balance sheets before making decisions. Forty-three-year-old commodity trader Jay Patel says he uses astrology to predict market movements, explaining that Mercury indicates trading time, Jupiter signals expansion, and Saturn warns of slowdowns. Patel once bought a call option during what he described as an “astrological window,” earning a 90-fold return.
He now advises institutional traders—mostly based abroad—charging $200 per business consultation and $500 per month for access to his astro-trading dashboard. Financial channels like CNBC Awaaz and ET Now often feature astrologers commenting on sector trends. Celebrity astrologer Chirag Daruwala recently predicted bullish energy and defense stocks based on planetary movements.
Why online astrology is booming among youth
Two major factors are driving the growth of online astrology—youth fascination and AI integration. Younger users under 35, stressed by love, career, and job uncertainties, are turning to astrology apps for quick answers. At the same time, AI-based tools have made consultations faster and cheaper. They process complex calculations instantly and respond to multiple users simultaneously. Puneet Gupta, founder of AstroTalk, says his platform sees about 50 lakh paid consultations every month, with 84 percent of its seven crore users under 35 years of age.
Most asked question: “When will my ex return?”
Astrology apps usually begin by asking for a user’s name, birth details, and location, and then instantly connect them with astrologers. Once free minutes are over, users are prompted to recharge, with rates going up to Rs 250 per minute. A disclaimer on many platforms says the services are “for entertainment purposes only.” Interestingly, the most frequently asked question remains “When will my ex come back?” This reflects the growing emotional dependency on online astrology for reassurance and decision-making.
Rising threat of online astrology scams
While AI has accelerated astrology’s digital reach, it has also made users more prone to cyber fraud. Many fake astrologers offer free sessions, discuss personal issues, and claim to predict upcoming troubles like family conflicts, health problems, or job losses. They then demand money for rituals or remedies, often sending links or apps that steal financial data. Experts warn users not to share personal or banking details, avoid unverified apps, and never click on payment links. Authentic astrologers never ask for bank details or OTPs. Cyber officials emphasize that awareness remains the strongest defense, as fraud techniques continue to evolve with technology.
Summary pointers:
1. Cybercrime agency issues alert over rising online astrologer scams.
2. Victims lose money through fake payment links after free consultations.
3. India’s astrology market now exceeds Rs 60,000 crore, growing fast online.
4. Astrology influencing stock trading, with traders using planetary analysis.
5. Over 84% of astrology app users are under 35, seeking quick guidance.
6. “When will my ex return?” is the most common question asked.
7. Officials urge caution against sharing details or clicking unknown links.
