by Anne R. Allen
For the past couple of years, streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, etc. have been gobbling up literary properties to make into films and TV series. So I guess it was inevitable that scammers would find a way to exploit the phenomenon.
Here’s a 2019 article from Publishers Weekly about the Netflix “book feeding frenzy”
If you were a scammer, how could you resist? All you have to do is get a list of indie authors and their email addresses or phone numbers (thanks, Facebook!) Then pick up the phone and start calling. “Hey there, author. I’m a film scout for Netflix and this is your lucky day. For (a hefty fee) I’ll get your book in front of some Netflix honchos and…” Or if they’re lazy, they can just send an email.
You can fill in the rest. It’s all flim-flam. The scammers don’t know any Netflix honchos. And the author who falls for their lies is out scads of money.
The real Netflix deals are negotiated by the author’s agent. If you don’t have an agent, the chances of real film scouts contacting you are pretty slim.
But we always dream, don’t we? We’re sure ours will be the book that breaks the barrier and emerges as an Emmy-winning series. Sigh. Writers always dream — and that’s why these Hollywood book-to-film scams have been around since the dawn of the Kindle revolution. The “feeding frenzy” of streaming services during the Covid lockdown days gave the scammers a whole new batch of material to make their lies more convincing.
Classic Book-to-Film Scams
The classic Hollywood book-to-film scam went like this: a “film scout” contacted an indie or unagented author, usually by phone, and said how much they loved his book. They were sure it would make a great film for (Spielberg, James Cameron, Spike Lee, or whoever was the big name du jour.)
The author just had to pay (a huge amount of money) for one of their stable of writers to create a screenplay or a treatment from the book.
But here’s the thing: paying somebody to write a screenplay based on your book “on spec”— that is, without a contract with an actual filmmaker — only gets you a spec script, not a film deal.
Every restaurant server and parking lot attendant in Southern California has a spec script. The scripts novelists paid this outfit to write didn’t have any more chance of getting a studio contract than the spec script written by the neighborhood barista.
Later, the notorious publishing scammers at Author Solutions industrialized the Hollywood book-to-film scam. Many of their imprints from Archway to Xlibris offered a pricey “Hollywood option” in their already exorbitant contract. Their high-pressure sales team promised to get a screenwriter to adapt your book for the screen and put it in a “Hollywood database” where it would be seen by all the big producers and directors. All for only $10,000 or so.
Of course the database was bogus and the adaptation was worthless.
For more on the classic Hollywood book-to-film scams, Intellectual Property attorney Helen Sedwick has some advice for authors.
The New Netflix Book-to-Film Scams
Recently I’ve heard from a number of authors who have been taken to the cleaners by a new, more polished version of the old Hollywood scam. But it now piggy-backs on the “Netflix feeding frenzy” of the pandemic years.
The Better Business Bureau of New York has posted some hair-raising stories, all pretty similar to what I’ve heard from writers on social media. It’s a convincing scam, and a lot of authors are falling for it.
Like the classic Hollywood book-to-film scam, this is usually initiated by a cold-call from somebody with excellent English skills who sounds very professional.
They offer to have one of their writers adapt the author’s book for the screen with a full screenplay or a “treatment” — for a hefty fee. Then, they promise, they will show it to their eagerly waiting contacts at streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, HBO, etc. And there’s a money-back guarantee.
As soon as the writer pays them, they pressure him for more money. They need thousands more for murky “license fees” and “international taxes.” They need it tomorrow, or the deal will fall through.
Once the author gets fed up with hemorrhaging money and says he’s had enough, the scammer gets verbally abusive. It’s all the author’s fault and he could have had a deal if he hadn’t screwed it up.
Then the scammer disappears.
Good luck trying to collect on that money-back guarantee.
Many Book-to-Film Scams are the Spawn of Author Solutions
The slickest of the new book-to-screen scam operations comes from a company in the Philippines. (Probably a spawn of Author Solutions, which was headquartered there, and trained 100s of scammers to feed off the dreams of newbie writers.) It has a clever cover story left over from their last con, the pay-to-play magazine interview scam.
These people now appear to run their fairly legitimate literary magazine as a front. This real — if not widely circulated — magazine publishes fiction and poetry by emerging writers. The copy may or may not be screened or edited. I haven’t seen any of the content, but the cover looks fairly convincing. And it’s a great way to reel in new, naïve writers.
When an author gets a call from a “film scout” or “film agent” working for the magazine, he might be a bit skeptical. Especially since this scout says Netflix is interested in his indie novel that hasn’t sold a copy since 2015. But the author goes to check out the website, and…there it is: a polished, professional looking operation, with words spelled right and everything.
Hey, our author thinks, maybe these folks are for real.
Dealing With Book-to-Film Scams is Playing Calvinball
So, okay, our author agrees to talk further with one of this magazine’s reps. That’s when they sink in the hooks. They offer to convert the book to a screenplay for $15,000, or provide a treatment for a mere $5000. And the treatment will probably do the trick. Such a bargain!
And — get this! There’s a money-back guarantee! If they don’t sell his book rights to a streaming service, our author gets his money back in full. His rep Zack was very firm about that. The author knows Zack really cares about the book and is on his side. Such a nice, friendly guy.
The author may hear some encouraging noises from Zack over the next few months. Then — da-da! Netflix Canada or New Zealand is interested. He just has to pay another $3000-$5000 for “film licensing” and “international fees” in those countries.
If the author balks at the price, Zack pressures him relentlessly. Then finally drops him. And no, there’s no money back, because the author didn’t follow “the rules.” Their rules are like Calvinball — they make them up as they go along.
Good luck for the author trying to find anybody who will talk to him after he’s been dropped. “Zack” doesn’t exist. Nobody at the company has heard of him or the author. And there isn’t even a Netflix New Zealand.
But hey, they’ve got a great offer from HBO South Africa. If the author only pays another $4000, they can get his book in front of some very big people at HBO South Africa. There’s a money-back guarantee!
And so it goes…
What Can You Do if You’ve been a Victim of a Hollywood Book-to-Film Scam?
Alas, there’s not much you can do once you’ve actually parted with your cash. When a company is overseas, it’s tough for US law enforcement to prosecute them. From what I’ve gleaned from the comments at the Better Business Bureau, it seems one or two people have got partial refunds by making a huge fuss, so it might be worth trying. But hiring a lawyer will cost more than you’ll get out of the scammers. Plus you’ll get lots of insults and verbal abuse along with every penny.
What you can do is stop feeding them. Block their phone number and email address and refuse to speak to them. If you buy into any part of their lies, they will think they still own you and keep hammering you for more money.
They know a cash cow when they see one, and you’re it. If you’ve fallen for them once, they figure you will again.
I know writers who were harassed by high pressure salesmen from Author Solutions for years after they fell for one of their scams. The salespeople phone you at work, at home, at your mom’s, and follow you relentlessly, claiming all your dreams will come true if you just give them a few thousand dollars more.
Don’t believe it! Cut your losses and run.
And remember, never part with a penny in any writing project before you run the name of the company by Writer Beware and Alli’s Watchdog Desk.
Besides, Netflix isn’t Buying Anymore
And on a final note, do be aware the Netflix feeding frenzy has died down. Netflix had rapid growth during the pandemic when everybody was home watching TV. But now people are out and about, Netflix stock is way down and they’re laying off workers.
The scammers will have to find a new way to con unsuspecting authors. And I’m sure they will.
Speaking of New Scams: Beware the Barrage of New Book Reviewers
If, like me, you’re suddenly getting a huge amount of spam from chatty “book reviewers” who are dying to review your book on Amazon for a fee, remember that buying Amazon reviews is a major no-no that can get you kicked off Amazon FOR LIFE.
Do not fall for these people. (Or person. Every email has a different name for the “sender” but they all claim to have exactly 57,201 followers.) If you pay, and the review is posted on Amazon, you’re the one who gets penalized, not the scammer. You’re supposed to know better.
A Final Caveat
I am not mentioning the names of any of these scammers aside from Author Solutions, who are well known. The newer book-to-film scams are still very active, and they may try to scare me off with a lawsuit. The suits have no merit, but they can waste a lot of my time. They can even sue me for something a commenter says on this blog. Even though that’s against US law, they’ll sue me in another country. I’ve just been through that. Not fun.
So please don’t mention the name of any scammy magazines. If you want to discuss the scammer by name, email me or DM me on social media.
by Anne R. Allen (@annerallen) June 12, 2022
What about you, scriveners? Have you fallen prey to any book-to-film Hollywood scams? Or Author Solutions? Did you try to get your money back? Are Author Solutions salespeople still phoning you?
BOOK OF THE WEEK
SO MUCH FOR BUCKINGHAM
A satire of the dark side of online reviews and the people who make a game of them…a game that can lead to murder.
“This wonderfully satiric comedy is a joy to read. On the surface, it’s a frothy romance cum suspense story about a whacky writer, Camilla, whose life is threatened by trolls and who topples from one hilarious disaster into the next.
But underneath, it provides a perceptive insight into the mad world of modern publishing, the sub-culture of Internet lunatics and the mindset of cultists who can – and do – believe ten impossible things before breakfast.
The reader is left with the question: how much of the story, perish the thought, might be true? Tremendous fun, wittily satiric and highly recommended”…Nigel J. Robinson
Camilla and Ronzo see their reputations destroyed by online review trolls. Meanwhile, Plantagenet Smith heads to England, where he encounters a dead historical reenactor dressed as the Duke of Buckingham. Plant is promptly arrested for his murder. In jail, Plant meets the ghost of Richard III, and hears what it’s like to live with character assassination “fake news” that has persisted for half a millennium.
So Much for Buckingham is available at:
All Amazons Kobo Nook Smashwords Googleplay Scribd
Available in paper from:
AmazonUS AmazonUK Barnes & Noble
Also in Audiobook!
available at Audible and iTunes
That’s sneaky how they avoid the money-back guarantee.
If they aren’t speaking to my publisher, then I’m certainly not talking to them. Although I imagine there are small publishers they go after as well.
Alex–Publishers don’t always buy film or foreign rights, so it makes sense that a scout–even a real one–would contact the author or author’s agent first. I think scammers wouldn’t find publishers worth scamming. They know too much about the business.
Anne—Aaaaargh! Really, just one rule since time immemorial: The Author *never* pays. The publisher/film company/producer does the paying. Period. Keep that in mind and you won’t get scammed.
Ruth–I agree. As soon as they ask for money, hang up.
This.
Mind you, it has happened and does happen that one may be contacted by someone legitimately interested BUT 1. You would be contacted by a legitimate agent with a real agency (who would have gotten your email from a legitimate source) and 2. You would never, ever be asked to pay.
Thanks, Anne.
I don’t publish my phone number anywhere, but I do get my share of scam emails — a good reason to keep contact info private on social media sites. Unfortunately, book-to-film bottom feeders hang out in Facebook promotion groups just waiting to hook unsuspecting writers.
What a world we live in!
Kathy–I’ve been pretty careful of never giving my phone number anywhere online, even though Facebook keeps ordering me to post it on my author page. But somehow the scammers get my phone number anyway. I’m not sure how.
You’re right about the Facebook promotion groups. That’s where the scammers hang out. I want to scream when I see new writers happily brag about being “accepted” by a scam publisher in one of those groups.
Good day, Anne, and a tip of the ole fedora to Ruth. I guess I’m the fortunate son who’s never been approached by a scammer. (Not that I know of, anyway.) However, in the past year and a half I’ve been directly contacted by three separate film producers with no agents involved. All first contacts came via email after they found my material on the net.
One producer has signed me to a “Shopping Agreement” for an already published series that he’s “showing around town”. Another has an “Option to Purchase Intellectual Property” contract with me for a series under development. The third chap and I have a verbal agreement to work on a treatment with him having the “Right of First Refusal”. It’s all very exciting and encouraging but, realistically, the projects are a long way from being “Green Lit”.
I second your motion that under NO circumstances should a writer ever pay a “producer” or “agent” or whatever they might deem themselves to be. Anyone who asks a writer for money is a Scammer.
Garry–Congrats! Very cool to have a series optioned even before it’s published. As long as these people are paying you and not the other way around, that’s fantastic!
Thanks, Anne. It is kinda cool, and something I want to say is that both written contracts come with NDAs (Non Disclosure Agreements) where I can’t divulge the producer’s identity nor the amount exchanged. I understand this is industry standard, and it makes sense to protect the parties. So does the specified two-year timeframe.
Brilliant Anne, but nothing you didn’t already know! I think the true evil comes in because any indie, from the just-finished-first-one right up to the few who succeed– all the rest of us are in the Haven’t Mastered Marketing bucket. And this looks like a wonderful short-cut, more almost than the fame and money is the simple fact that you will have made it. Such a sweet, sweet dream, to be able to lay down the Discovery Pickaxe and get back to the writing that you REALLY like.
Will–You’re right. Short-cuts to fame and fortune are always enticing. And we’d love to be paid to write while somebody else does the &*#@ marketing.
Great information here, Anne! I’ve been contacted a few times by scammers. They’re easy to spot and a simple Google search will confirm they’re up to no good. Besides, I’m so cheap the scammers are beginning to know better than to contact me anymore.
But the real thing I want to talk about is your book “So Much For Buckingham.” When I read the description on Amazon, I had to have it. I’ve just re-read “The Daughter of Time” by Josephine Tey. Her novel tackles the subject of the guilt or innocence of Richard III and the way history often distorts the truth. I’m going to love reading your book. (Dale Ivan Smith and I will be co-writing an article for the killzoneblog.com about “The Daughter of Time” soon.)
Great “Timing!”
Kay–I first read The Daughter of Time when I was in high school, and I’ve always thought Richard III was maligned by Mr. Shakespeare. One of my reviewers called Buckingham “The Daughter of Time for the 21st century.” I basked in the praise. I think you’ll enjoy the book, especially with the Josephine Tey fresh in your memory. I look forward to your piece at The Kill Zone.
The real secret, I think, is NEVER respond to someone who contacts you. It’s rare ,if ever, that a publisher, agent or film maker will contact an author out of the blue.
I get emails about reviews, which I don’t open. I’ve not had one about films, though. I once had one telling me my book had won an award. It sounded genuine, but as I’d not entered any contests, not likely I would win. I can’t remember details, but somehow they indicated that it wasn’t a contest you had to enter. Most odd.
VM–That’s the advice I give, too. If they cold-call you, or email you out of the blue, there’s a 99% chance it’s a scam. I got that one about winning a contest too. And funny–it was my oldest book, which I haven’t even promoted in the past couple of years.
Anne, as always, you provide a much-needed service to writers everywhere with your savvy warnings. Tweeting this out.
The link to Helen Sedwick’s article included a couple dozen comments from people who’d been victimized. The tragic part is that some didn’t learn from their mistakes and fell into the same trap again. They all need to subscribe to your blog.
In fact, you and Victoria Strauss should be required reading for anyone who wants to be an author.
Debbie–Thanks for spreading the word! I was going to write on a different subject this week, but the number of authors falling for this made me realize the need for the warning was urgent. Yes–the comments on Helen’s post are heartbreaking. Some people seem to beg to be scammed. One of the people who fell for this Netflix scam still believed the scammer worked for Netflix and that Netflix was at fault. He couldn’t get his brain around the fact that everything the scammer said was a lie.
Ergh! I feel for those writers who fall for these scams. When I first started writing, I had a PA scammer place contact me about a story I’d written back then. Thankfully, I never parted with any money and got wise to the scheme. Such horrid people to prey on others dreams.
Traci–I know so many writers who fell for PublishAmerica when they first appeared. They seemed so legit, and the books looked good and had nice covers. Sadly, many of the people who got scammed gave up writing after they realized what had happened. They really do prey on dreams.
High praise indeed! I can’t wait to dive in.
Long story made very short, i did ASI years ago, got out, they sold my then work number (as this was the only contact number they had of mine) along with infor from the trash book I published though them. Would get roughly two calls per week from the scammers, and I flipped the script on them soooo bad at work that they eventually gave up contacting me. Trust me, when you make those people deviate from their precious script, their brains go into lockdown mode because they can’t think independently.
Now I just simply deal with the dregs who e-mail my old Yahoo addy, and I basically question their character and intelligence. Even had one who responded with a very lengthy tirade that included trashing Victoria Strauss/Writer’s Beware.
I still have tons of fun with the “book scouts” and their “hybrid publishing companies.” Neverending source of joy.
Btw, you’ll be happy to know that those companies no longer pop up ion FB feed.
G.B.–I hear the same story from so many people. Years later, AS is still harassing them, trying to get them to pay for bogus marketing. I’ve noticed that the scammy publishing companies aren’t in my FB feed either. Maybe FB wasn’t reeling in enough pigeons.
I have seen some of those insane rants against Victoria. One tried to make out she’s a pedophile, because Writer Beware is sponsored by SFWA, and a former SFWA author was once accused of being a pedophile. And that’s why her warnings should be ignored. Right. 🙂
Glad to hear you can have fun with those “book scouts”. They always call at 7 AM California time, so I just scream rude words at them.
Anyway, calling out of the blue is not how legitimate producers/agents/etc. work, as I’m sure you’d agree. They would normally contact you usually through email to set up a call, which gives you time to do a little background checking as well. Any time I have been contacted, the first thing I’ve done is go to Writer Beware. If someone called me they without arranging it in advance, I must admit that they’d never get far enough to ask for money.
JR–In California, which is more of a phone culture, legit people do sometimes phone. I have a friend who got her agent that way through the Santa Barbara Writers Conference. But that’s very, very rare. I so much prefer an email so we’re not put on the spot and can do some research.
Nice!
I had one producer come to me for a Shopping Agreement for one of my series, but he had his agent contact me first and the agent set up the contact with the producer. As we all know, many, many more or optioned or shopped than are ever produced, but it is a nice boost to the ego even if it never gets made.
Jr–Getting optioned is a huge thing, even if nothing happens–which, as you say, is the norm. I had a film producer option one of my short stories early in my career. It was one of the things that kept me going.
Thanks for keeping us informed Anne. I just had one of these wonderful offers to have one of my books rewritten for screenplay – for a bargain price of $15K Lol. It’s just sickening already. 🙂
Debby–It sounds as if you’ve been contacted by the exact people I’ve been hearing about. $15K is their standard ask. It’s so tragic when people fall for it.
I got caught in one of the scams. Learned my lesson the hard way, author should never have to pay. A multi million dollar company will pay for script or treatment. The ‘legit’ looking website and money back guarantee is what got me.
Lauren–I’m so sorry you were victimized. These people prey on our dreams.
I’m with Ruth, Anne! I always tell my students: the writer doesn’t pay for ANYTHING, if it’s a legitimate deal. If it’s a legitimate company wanting to grab your stories for film or TV, they will offer you an Option, in which they pay you a few thousand *right now* for the right to buy your work for production, within a certain number of years. It’s a complex biz, and I’m sure confusing to new writers.
Melodie–I’m beginning to think writers shouldn’t even go with a “hybrid publisher”. Some are legit, but the UK authors association now recommends authors stay away. And that’s the only “pay up front” outfit that might be legit.
Anne, as always, super-useful advice and I’m sharing it with my group of writers here in Europe. But I’m stunned by your conclusion – no fear, I don’t know the names of any scammer organization! – but that they should threaten to sue is simply BEYOND THE PALE!
Such threats from scammers are scary – really. And they work too, I can see, since you suffered from suits in other countries where I imagine, you sell your books and therefore need to be careful. Honestly, what is the world coming to? I know, I know, I sound like an old idiot saying that, but still, allow me to be stunned! And to sympathize/empathize with your problem on this particular issue!
Claude–A few weeks ago I got a scary letter from a big (real) London law firm some publisher hired. Because a year ago somebody made a comment on the blog calling them a “vanity press”. Writer Beware says this isn’t uncommon because UK laws on defamation are outdated. So I did what these Bozos wanted, which was post a whingy, cringy “apology” they wrote. At least they didn’t ask for money. But they got some free advertising.
Stunning that people get caught in this web. 🙁
Debby–It’s tragic.
I can’t count the number of DMs on Twitter I’ve received for someone to write a screen spec. The first time it happened, I said, “If the offer is for me to pay you, you’ve got that backward, my friend. You can BUY the rights, though. Interested?” He shut up quick. Now I just block. Instagram is overflowing with fake book reviewers, and they get pushy, leaving comments on posts for me to “check your DMs” and what-not. Again, I block & report. It’s easier than dealing with scammers.
Sue–Block and report is the best way to rid your feed of some of them. But there are always more. We need to project it on the moon or something: Writers should get paid, not the other way around!!
This sudden infestation of bogus book reviewers is weird. One even tried to justify charging for an Amazon reader review because of the time involved. Sure it takes time. So write the review on your own blog, get a following and then think about charging. It’s time for Amazon to get Draconian on these people again. Fake reviews hurt all of us.
“Money-back guarantee.” ????????????????????
Alexandria–Yeah. The money goes into their back pocket and they disappear.
This is why I never answer any numbers on my phone that I don’t recognize. (I sometimes don’t answer numbers I do know because I hate talking on the phone.) If it’s that important they will leave a message.
Patricia–Some of these people do leave messages. They’re relentless. You can block them on a cell phone, but not a landline. And they often use lots of different numbers.
I regularly receive such emails and phone calls. Whether or not they are legitimate, I don’t have the kind of money they want anyway. One thing that makes me question their legitimacy is in emails when they can’t spell my name right, or the titles of my books. The phone calls are all from people with foreign accents and it sounds like they sought out the worst possible way to pronounce my name or my titles – “Bed of Sing” doesn’t come close to “Bead of Sand.” Besides the fact that their rote-recited narration is identical, as if all of these scammers share the exact text for their cold calls. (Maybe they do.)
Sally–If they want money, they’re not legit. Full stop. You should get paid, not the other way around. These people can be pretty comical. “Bed of Sing” is hilarious.
If they are legit, they also won’t just call out of the blue. That simply is not how business is done.
I think if I legitimately got a call, they would have to jump through fiery hoops to convince me its not a scam. I’ve already gotten one. For my novel. I’ve only published an anthology of short stories !!!
Valerie–That’s hilarious. You’ve never published a novel, but they’re going to make a movie out of it? Some of these Bozos can be pretty obvious.
Excellent warning post, Anne. And nicely titled and played off the song!
My case is a little different in that I was approached by an IP attorney via direct message on LinkedIn. I was leery, but the guy seemed legit. But to make sure—and before I responded—I ran it by an old friend who’s an experienced Hollywood entertainment attorney. He verified, and after MONTHS of negotiating we’re wrapping up the Option-Purchase Agreement. Everything went through the attorney(s), and there was never any mention of ME paying THEM. As you and Ruth say, that’s the clear tip-off of a scam. Authors GET PAID, not the other way around.
Harald–Congratulations! Yes, books do get optioned by film producers, so thanks for sharing your positive story. But the film people always pay the author for the privilege, not the other way around.
Thanks and Yes. Forgot to say: it was an independent producer approaching me *through* his attorney.
Oy! How is it the twits in the world have so much time to come up with mean-spirited plots, while the good people in the world work so hard to squeeze in a good meal or a chance to sleep? Thanks for another fine post.
CS–It looks as if scamming gullible Americans pays better than real jobs in a lot of countries. So the scam industry continues to expand. I don’t know why we’re so easily duped, but it seems to be an expanding problem. Some people love being lied to.
Thank you for a very informative post.
Olga–Thanks for stopping by.
And I thought writing the book would be the hard part. Fortunately, 40+ years in IT has taught me to be skeptical of just about any unsolicited contact. Thanks for adding these methods to my watch list.
Dan–It’s true. We think writing is the hard part. Then we find out that was just the beginning. And everything gets harder from here on up. 🙁
Thanks for this information and great advice. I am now ready for the scammers!
Noelle–I’m glad you’re equipped to stay scammer-free!
So sad how scammers would be protected (by mentioning their names) when they are the ones doing illegal activities.
Does that go the same with reviewing companies?
Elizabeth–It’s not legal to sue a blog owner for comments on the blog here in the US. Or in most countries. But people in the UK can. They need to have a lot of money to force you to go across the pond to court, but Writer Beware says some of them have actually done this. It’s not common, but since it happened to me, I’m wary. Most publishing scammers are out of the Philippines, so they probably can’t sue.
I did leave up a scathing comment from a writer who’d been a victim of New Reader Magazine, which is the most active publishing scam company right now. I soon got a semi-literate response to the comment calling everything the fault of the victim. I deleted it and haven’t heard anything further. But they’ll probably get a Google alert on this comments, so I’m keeping fingers crossed.
As far as review scammers, there are so many of them, I think they just change their names whenever Amazon catches them. So they’re probably not all that proprietary about their names.
Ever here of the book to screen database.
True, there are always exceptions, but if someone called, they would not get past me screening my calls. 😜
JR–It’s true more people are screening calls these days. But it only takes a few people who are intrigued enough to pick up when they see “Netflix” on their caller ID. The scammers make so much off each victim, they only need a few people to take the bait.
More excellent advice. And while you mention it, I have been getting quite a few aggressive emails with eager beavers wanting to review my books, lol. I send them to spam. But, did someone come after you for something you said on your blog? What next? 🙁
Debby–Oh, yes. That was a major saga last year. Some guy left a comment on the blog saying a small press in the UK was a “vanity press.” He didn’t understand what a vanity press is, and thought that a “publisher” that only publishes books by one author is “vanity.” (As you know, a “vanity press” is a deliberate scam that pretends to be a trad. publisher but isn’t.) I said something like “sounds fishy. Don’t submit” because I didn’t have time to research it. But because we have good SEO, the comment made it onto Google and the woman who (self) publishes under that press name sued me and threatened me with all sorts of terrible consequences. I contacted a lawyer and found out US laws do not hold the owner of a website liable for something someone else says on the site. I sent them that information and never heard from them again, thank goodness. But I had some scary moments.
Holy smokes Anne! The vultures are everywhere. I’m so glad you got that sorted, but ouchee, lawyers = $$$, and that’s scary enough. <3