Avoiding Fortune Telling Scams
Protect yourself from exploitative practices in the fortune telling industry. Learn the warning signs and how to stay safe.
Protecting Yourself
Unfortunately, like many traditional practices, Saju and fortune telling can be exploited by unethical operators. This guide helps you recognize and avoid scams so you can explore cultural traditions safely.
Common Scam Patterns
The Curse Discovery
How it works:
- You get a reading (sometimes free or cheap initially)
- The practitioner looks concerned
- They reveal you have a “curse” or “bad energy”
- For a significant fee, they can remove it
- If you pay, they may “discover” more problems
Why it’s a scam:
- No one can see or remove curses
- This tactic exploits vulnerability
- There’s no end to the “problems” they’ll find
The Fear-Based Upsell
How it works:
- Initial reading reveals alarming information
- “Your chart shows major illness coming”
- “Your marriage will fail unless…”
- Solution is always: pay more money
Why it’s a scam:
- Saju cannot predict specific events like illness
- Fear is a manipulation tool
- Ethical practitioners don’t create anxiety
The Guaranteed Prediction
How it works:
- Practitioner makes specific promises
- “You will meet your spouse in exactly 8 months”
- “Your business will succeed if you do X”
Why it’s a scam:
- No system can make such predictions
- False certainty sells better than honest uncertainty
- When wrong, they’ll blame you or charge for “corrections”
The Lucky Object Sale
How it works:
- After a reading, you’re told you need protection
- A special charm, stone, or object is recommended
- It’s sold at inflated prices
- May be followed by more object suggestions
Why it’s a scam:
- Objects have no magical properties
- Prices are often grossly inflated
- Creates ongoing dependency
Red Flags Checklist
Be wary if a practitioner:
| Red Flag | Why It’s Concerning |
|---|---|
| Claims to predict exact future events | No system can do this |
| Creates fear about your reading | Manipulation tactic |
| Offers curse/hex removal | Classic scam pattern |
| Requires large up-front payments | Financial exploitation |
| Can’t explain their methods | Hiding their process |
| Pressures you to decide immediately | Prevents rational thinking |
| Says you can’t tell anyone | Isolation tactic |
| Has only 5-star reviews | Likely fake reviews |
| Takes no responsibility for harm | Ethical practitioners are accountable |
Safe Reading Practices
Before a Reading
- Research the practitioner: Check reviews from multiple sources
- Know the fee structure: Transparent pricing is a good sign
- Set your budget: Decide maximum spending in advance
- Bring skepticism: Healthy doubt protects you
- Tell someone: Let a friend know where you’re going
During a Reading
- Guard personal information: Birth data is enough; don’t share finances or secrets
- Notice pressure tactics: Legitimate practitioners don’t pressure
- Beware of negative revelations: If everything is doom, be suspicious
- Don’t commit to more services: Say “I’ll think about it”
- Trust discomfort: If something feels wrong, leave
After a Reading
- Don’t make immediate decisions: Sleep on any suggestions
- Fact-check claims: Did they say anything verifiable?
- Talk to someone trusted: Process the experience
- Cancel if pressured: If they keep contacting you, block them
Legitimate vs. Exploitative
Signs of Legitimate Practice
- Transparent, reasonable pricing
- Explains methodology honestly
- Acknowledges limitations
- No fear-based messaging
- Respects your autonomy
- Encourages critical thinking
- Has professional ethics
Signs of Exploitation
- Hidden or escalating costs
- Claims of secret or superior knowledge
- Creates dependency
- Uses fear or urgency
- Isolates from other opinions
- Gets defensive about questions
- Promises impossible outcomes
Why Scams Work
Understanding the psychology helps protect you:
Exploitation of Uncertainty
During uncertain times (job loss, health worries, relationship issues), we’re more vulnerable to those claiming certainty.
Authority Bias
Practitioners present as experts, and we tend to trust authority figures.
Sunk Cost Fallacy
Once you’ve paid some money, you may feel you need to continue to “not waste” the initial investment.
Fear Response
When afraid, our critical thinking diminishes and we seek any solution.
Hope and Desire
The promise of good fortune or avoided misfortune is deeply appealing.
Reporting Scams
If you’ve been victimized:
- Document everything: Save receipts, messages, records
- Report to authorities: Consumer protection agencies
- Warn others: Reviews and social media (be factual)
- Seek support: Talk to trusted friends or counselors
- Don’t blame yourself: Scammers are skilled manipulators
Our Approach
This site exists to provide free, responsible Saju information:
- No paid services pushing fear
- No upsells or premium curses to remove
- Clear disclaimers about entertainment purpose
- Privacy-first (no stored personal data)
- Educational focus
Stay Safe, Stay Curious
You can explore Saju and Korean traditions safely if you:
- Maintain healthy skepticism
- Keep control of your decisions
- Set firm boundaries
- Remember: entertainment only!