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Magic at the click of a mouse?Curses and love spells from the Internet – consumer advice center warns of “Etsy witches”
There are countless spiritual sellers on Etsy offering spells and curses. (Symbolic image).
Imago/Zoonar
They do business with hope!
Etsy became known as an online marketplace where traders and artists could sell their homemade products. But now it is mainly the so-called “Etsy witches” who are conquering the platform. There is even a whole tab for “Spirituality & Religion” – complete with tons of love spells, curses and energy rituals. And that is exactly what is now alarming the consumer advice center.
Spells and curses for a few euros – “Etsy witches” are trending
Behind the term “Etsy witches” is a scene of providers who offer spiritual services. There are hardly any limits: “Extremely strong love spells” are available for just a few euros. Often in different strengths – and therefore different price levels. “This particularly powerful love spell was created to align your energetic vibration with the person you desire most,” says one item description.
An “Etsy witch” offers several curses and spells – whether for revenge, luck, love or even bigger breasts. When you order, the provider will “magically execute the magic within 24 hours,” it goes on to say. But what's behind it?
Reading tip: Dubious online trading of magic spells from the Internet
“Success is not guaranteed”: This is what you should pay attention to when doing online witchcraft
The consumer advice center is now even warning about the “Etsy witches” – and not just because customers only pay to “perform the ritual” and “success is not guaranteed”: “If you want to get involved in spiritual offerings, you should keep a few basic points in mind.” These include:
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No promises of healing: Providers are not legally allowed to promise that rituals or products will cure illnesses or solve psychological problems. This is not only dubious, but forbidden.
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Be careful with “fear marketing”: If it is claimed that you are cursed or that you urgently need cleaning to ward off bad luck, this is a classic manipulation tactic to specifically take money out of your pocket.
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Check prices critically: Since there is no objective quality control for “energy transfers” or “love spells”, there is no basis for fair pricing. If three-digit amounts are required for this, this can be considered usury or immoral.
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Question reviews: You should pay attention to whether reviews appear genuine or whether they were posted noticeably in quick succession with similar wording. This indicates fake reviews.
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Money back? No!: With digital services or “magic” there is no right to “fulfillment” and usually no right of withdrawal – in case of doubt, the money is gone.
“Magical services are legally classified as entertainment and cannot solve real life problems,” the consumer advice center continues. Anyone who is in a serious crisis “should seek professional help, for example from counseling centers, therapists or their family doctor.” In most cases these are even free.
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Sources used: own RTL research and Consumer advice center
