Author Beware: Another Scam

A new scam targeting authors was exposed last week. I know you're tempted to say, "Oh, no! Not another one!"

Yes, another one. It seems there are so many people dreaming up ways to take advantage of hard-working authors.

This one was exposed by Angela Hoy on her newsletter, Writers Weekly. I've been a subscriber for several years to her weekly newsletter.

You should subscribe to Writers Weekly by Angela Hoy too. Angela offers good information that's applicable for all authors, not just freelance writers who are her main audience.

This scam begins with an offer from an alleged ebook author to swap ebooks with you the selected author victim.

It ends with the author victim finding his/her ebook uploaded to a website where it was being downloaded for free.

The Details

Read all about it on Angela's newsletter. While you're there, subscribe to Writers Weekly. I've been a subscriber for several years.

What To Do

This doesn't happen all the time, thank goodness, but it does happen.

I guess the best practice is not to exchange ebooks with anyone unless you know them or know someone who can vouch for them. Networking pays off in unexpected ways.

Takeaway Truth

As in all things to do with online contacts--especially social media--be conservative and always verify.