Targeted with a religious/spiritual scam on Goodge Street

Beware of Religious and Spiritual Scams on the Streets: A Personal Encounter on Goodge Street

Street encounters with individuals claiming to offer spiritual guidance or mystical insights are not uncommon in busy city centers. However, it is crucial to remain vigilant, as some of these interactions can be part of scams designed to exploit unsuspecting passersby. Recently, I experienced such an encounter in the vicinity of Goodge Street station, which serves as a cautionary tale and reminder for all pedestrians.

An Unexpected Approach

While strolling in a good mood, I was approached by a middle-aged man of Indian descent. His manner was friendly and personable. Without warning, he began to comment on what he perceived as significant features on my face. He claimed that a line on my forehead indicated imminent personal success, and he also noted that the same lines suggested I am someone who tends to overthink—pointing playfully at my crow’s feet. His tone was upbeat and engaging, which initially made me feel at ease.

The Charismatic Sales Pitch

The man’s speech was rapid, filled with unique phrases, and heavily accented, characteristic of someone well-versed in street spiritual practices. He showed me a photograph of his spiritual guru—an elderly man dressed in traditional Hindi attire—to establish credibility. Then, unexpectedly, he scribbled on a tiny piece of paper, crumpled it, and handed it to me instructing me not to look at it.

He proceeded to ask me a series of personal questions—favorite color, a number I liked, whether I’d prefer health or wealth—and then asked me to perform a small ritual: to blow on the crumpled paper and then open it. Miraculously, the answers to my questions appeared on the paper, creating an illusion of supernatural insight. In reality, this was a sleight-of-hand trick, a classic confidence tactic often used to impress or persuade.

The Request for a Donation

Once the trick concluded, the man explained that his ability to perform these insights was supported by his travels and spiritual work. He then asked for a donation, suggesting that contributions would help him continue assisting others—like myself—with such spiritual guidance. When I mentioned that I was currently very poor and had no cash on me, he kindly offered to accompany me to a cash point. I politely declined, citing my decision not to donate at that moment. His demeanor shifted noticeably, and I could tell he was displeased by my response.