If the reader didn't try to manipulate you into paying an exorbitant amount of money to remove the alleged curse , then it is likely he is not a scam artist . If the rest of what he told you rings true , then perhaps you might try to explore what he meant without fear and decide if it really applies or not . He shouldn't have just dumped that on you with no further explanation or instruction on what to do about it .
Curses are negative energy . If you believe in the power of prayer or healing , then negative energy can influence too . If you look into the experiments about what happens to plants when they are sent negative energy , then you can see negative energy at work .
It doesn't matter what culture you are from , or if you are told about the curse , or if you believe in it . The effect depends on the ability, determination, and strength of the practitioner . And whatever negative entities they may have helping them . A good practioner will never be so stupid as to walk up and come out and tell you they are putting a curse on you .
The effect of a curse will depend on your energy, your protections , your countermeasures , your helping spirits , and if you have figured out what is happening .
There can be intentional curses and unintentional curses . A person may be angry at you and not intend to send that anger at you but they may be a strong unconscious projector and it just happens . The strong negative emotion can sometimes become what is known as a thoughtform . The more it's fed , the stronger it gets and it tends to snowball .
I suspect a generational curse is something like a thoughtform that just keeps attaching to members of a family because the original emotional charge was never resolved and cleared . If that idea rings true for you in your situation , then you might try the Violet Flame method . You can do an internet search and find out how to do it - it's very easy . You don't have to do any religious prayers or stuff with it , just use the light visualization . It's good for getting rid of all kinds of negative and stuck energy . Some crystal therapy work might help too .