● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportMedium impact
Rise of Book Club Scams Target Authors with Fees and Impersonations
Key points
- Scam targets authors through fake book clubs.
- Fees range from $55 to $350 for appearances.
- Impersonation of both real and fictional clubs is common.
Overview of the Scam
A recent trend in scams targeting authors involves fake book clubs offering features for a fee. These scams utilize AI-generated emails, making them appear personalized and credible. Scammers request payment, often requiring access to the author's KDP account.
Types of Scams Identified
Two primary types of scams have emerged: emails from entirely fictional book clubs, and emails impersonating real clubs, such as Mocha Girls Read. Writers have reported receiving solicitations from both types, leading to confusion and potential financial loss.
Payment Methods and Tactics
Scammers demand payment for attendance and feature opportunities under various pretexts, often through methods such as the friends and family option on PayPal to avoid reversals. Overall, payment requests range between $55 and $350 depending on the offering.
Industry Response
The rise of these scams illustrates the need for increased awareness among authors about potential pitfalls. Authentic book clubs do not charge fees for appearances, serving as a key sign to avoid these scams.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
New scam targeting authors involves fake book clubs sending phishing emails to solicit fees for features. Reports include both fictional and impersonated local book clubs, with charges from $55 to $350 for purported appearances. This trend highlights ongoing tactics used in digital marketing scams, primarily originating from Nigeria.