In a world where science and technology are rapidly advancing, it may seem strange that people still turn to fortune tellers and spellcasters to solve their problems. However, the reality is that many people, especially in times of despair and desperation, are looking for a quick and miraculous solution, and this creates an opportunity for greedy individuals to take advantage. Fortune tellers, relying on superstitions, common fears, and false hopes, convince their audience that hidden forces are interfering in their lives and the only way to solve their problems is through prayer, spells, or magic. These false beliefs, which have no scientific basis, provide a platform for fraud and deception of unaware individuals.

Fortune-telling and divination have existed in various societies since ancient times. In the past, fortune-tellers would claim to have knowledge of the future by reading palms, interpreting coffee grounds, or writing prayers in markets, alleyways, or private gatherings. However, nowadays, with the expansion of the internet and social media, these individuals have migrated to the virtual space. They present themselves as experts in occult sciences through extensive advertising on Instagram and Telegram, attracting clients with promises of good luck, reuniting with lost loved ones, increasing wealth, and removing negative energies. Some even enlist the help of famous influencers to gain more trust and deceive their audience with fake reviews. The methods of deception used by fortune-tellers are diverse, but they all rely on one simple principle: playing with the emotions and psyche of their audience. Some lure people in with attractive and exaggerated promises, using phrases like “guaranteed fortune-telling spell,” “instant attraction of a lover,” or “immediate

The widespread phenomenon of fortune-telling and people’s trust in fortune-tellers has extensive consequences in society. One of the most damaging effects is social and familial problems. Many naive individuals, due to their misplaced trust in these fortune-tellers, have lost their assets, status, and even their health. In some cases, women have been financially exploited and even subjected to sexual harassment. Financial frauds also occur under the guise of fortune-telling, with some cases involving billions of tomans. In one real-life example, a fortune-teller in Qom was able to scam more than 20 billion tomans by setting up a fortune-telling page on Instagram. These large sums of money, which could have been used for production, education, or solving real societal problems, unfortunately end up in the pockets of fraudsters who provide no service to the community.

From a cultural perspective, the prevalence of these beliefs leads to a “weakening of scientific and rational thinking” in society. When people turn to superstition and prayer instead of using scientific and logical methods to solve their problems, society suffers from intellectual regression. Additionally, these beliefs can trap individuals in a sort of mental dependence, where some individuals wait for the approval of a fortune teller or diviner before making any decisions and lose their intellectual independence.

To combat this phenomenon, the most important action is to increase awareness and teach critical thinking in society. Media, educational systems, and families should familiarize people with the deceptive methods of fortune tellers so that they do not easily accept any strange or illogical claims. Awareness of how fortune tellers use psychological tricks to influence the emotions and thoughts of their audience can save many individuals from falling into their traps. Additionally, seeking help from real professionals is one of the best ways to prevent these deceptions. If someone is experiencing mental or emotional problems, they should seek help from a psychologist, not a fortune teller. If they have financial or legal problems, an economic advisor or lawyer can assist them, not a fortune teller. Every problem has a solution, but real solutions usually require effort, awareness, and patience, not imaginary miracles.

Another important point is emotional support for vulnerable individuals. Often, people fall into the trap of fortune tellers when they are in a vulnerable state, such as experiencing emotional distress, losing a loved one, facing financial problems, or feeling hopeless for various reasons. In such situations, family members and friends should be more attentive and show empathy instead of judging them. Sometimes, even a simple and hopeful conversation can save a person from falling into the trap of these individuals. Ultimately, the discourse of fortune telling will be eliminated from society when people follow science and knowledge instead of superstition and myths. As long as ignorance and naivety exist, fortune tellers will continue their work. Therefore, the best way to deal with them is to be knowledgeable and vigilant. A society that solves problems with wisdom, consultation, and empathy will not need magic and spells.