**Beware These Common Scams Targeting Authors**
This isn’t a real post — just me venting a little and also sharing some important info that might save you a lot of money, especially if you’re an author. Scammers have been targeting authors forever. They know your books are like your babies, and that finding the right readers means so much to you. That emotional investment can make you vulnerable to people trying to take advantage.
Here are some scams—recent and ongoing—that you should watch out for, including one I almost fell for myself.
—
### The Paid Podcast Scam
This scam typically involves someone inviting you to be featured on a well-known podcast (or Facebook Live, etc.) and offering $3,000 just for showing up. *Red flag*: Authors almost never get paid for one-time podcast appearances—I’ve been on tons, and I’ve never been paid.
Here’s how it works: They’ll seem very professional, then ask you to join a Zoom “tech check.” Next, they request screen sharing or instruct you to download software, giving them access to your computer. Sometimes, they want access to your Instagram or Facebook to “promote the podcast” and get you paid. Instead, they take over your accounts, change your passwords, and either blackmail you or use your platform to sell junk. They can even create AI-generated videos of you using your image. Bleh.
—
### The Publicity Scam
This one often starts with a flattering email offering to share your book with their enormous book club or massive reader group. It feels legit. Then they ask for money.
For example: “We’d love to have you come to [XYZ State], but if you can’t make it, maybe send us $300 for snacks while our huge group discusses your book.” Or they might request a gift card so they can “buy some of your books to hand out” for publicity.
These offers are fake. This scam is on the rise, too, because scammers are now using AI to craft increasingly sneaky emails. I recently got one praising the “incredible and complicated themes” in my latest book—but they mentioned a different Jenny’s book, a children’s picture book about golf!
Here’s an actual line from that email:
“So tell me, Jenny — when you wrote this book, did you know it would feel like this? Like sunlight and nostalgia woven into one gentle lesson about grace and joy?”
*sigh*
—
### The Comment Scam
I see this a lot in blog comments, and it’s creeping into social media comments, too.
Scammers use AI to post comments that seem related to your content and then slip in links to their sites. They’re not very subtle yet. For example, I got a comment on a post where I mentioned worrying about a nervous eye twitch on my upcoming book tour:
“JENNY LAWSON’S CONVULSIVE EYE TREMORS ARE HYPNOTIZING AND BAD CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THIS GAME FOR RELAXATION JENNY.”
Not very convincing, right?
Also, beware of “romance scammers” on Facebook who shower you with compliments and friend requests. These aren’t real people—block them.
—
### The Fake Book Scam
Some scammers create low-quality books that look very similar to yours and sell them on Amazon, hoping readers will buy theirs by mistake. Usually, these are short, inaccurate “summaries” of your work.
Others might publish a book under your name, hoping readers will think it’s yours. It’s frustrating and infuriating.
—
### The Publishing Scam
Many fake agents and publishers contact writers asking for manuscript submissions and sometimes fees. While some might be legit, many are trying to exploit you.
**Rule of thumb:** Legitimate agents and publishers do **not** ask for money upfront. Unless you’re self-publishing with a reputable company, avoid paying fees to agents or publishers.
Publishers get paid when *you* get paid. Same with agents. Don’t trust companies without positive reviews or happy past clients.
Also, when submitting work to publishers or agents, send only the first three chapters and a proposal letter. If they’re interested, they’ll ask for the full manuscript. This protects you with proof of their interest, should they try to steal your ideas.
—
### The Dead Uncle Scam
Though not book-related, this one is important.
My mom recently received a letter claiming a distant uncle had died with no heirs and left behind a $10 million life insurance policy—but only if she retained the lawyer sending the letter.
Luckily, she realized it was a scam (who pays premiums on a life insurance policy with no beneficiaries?). But these letters can seem legit, especially when the “deceased” shares a similar name to your relatives.
Please share this warning with grandparents and older relatives who might fall prey to scams in the mail.
—
### The Fighting Robot Scam
This one isn’t about stealing money but manipulating online conversations.
Many AI bots are deployed on social media to start fights and trends. Often created by political groups, they post inflammatory or extreme content, sometimes impersonating people from opposing views.
These bots fight other bots to generate “trending” topics, making it seem like there’s a huge controversy when it’s really all fake.
My advice: take a deep breath, focus on real conversations with real people, and spend your energy on genuine change. Your peace of mind is precious—protect it.
—
### Bonus Tips on Social Media Interactions
Some people get paid for causing drama online. They post inflammatory nonsense for attention and profit. If you comment calling them idiots, your algorithm thinks you want more of this content—and your feed fills up with it.
Instead, comment on positive, inspiring posts. The algorithm promotes what you engage with, so growing what you want to see helps build a better online space.
—
### A Personal Note About Online Spaces
Recently, I noticed my Threads trending page was full of book drama. It made me think Threads can be toxic for writers sometimes.
Then my kid showed me their Threads trending page—it looked completely different! The major news stories were the same, but their feed was free of writing-related chaos.
It made me realize how siloed our online worlds can be. What feels like “everyone is talking about this” might only be your little bubble—and the rest of the world could see something totally different.
—
Sorry for any typos — I’m about to head to Nowhere Bookshop with Hailey for the Haunted Adult Book Fair, which starts tonight (COME!). We need to put on our costumes!
—
**Know of any other scams authors should watch for?** Please share them in the comments below!
https://thebloggess.com/2025/10/24/you-are-being-scammed-dont-fall-for-it/