A notable resurgence of literary scams is targeting authors, reviving the infamous 'Nigerian Prince' model for the book world. Writer Beware, a fraud watchdog, has issued an alert about fraudulent book clubs and review services that prey on aspiring and established writers.
These scams exploit authors' desire for exposure and credibility, offering paid placements in nonexistent clubs or fake glowing reviews. The tactic echoes classic advance-fee fraud, where victims pay upfront for promised services that never materialize.
Scammers often create slick websites and social media profiles to appear legitimate. They demand fees for inclusion in exclusive book clubs or for professionally written reviews, then disappear after payment. The Better Business Bureau has flagged similar schemes in previous years.
Authors are advised to verify any club or review service through independent channels before paying. Writer Beware recommends checking for a track record of real, verifiable members and reviews. Victims should report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission and local authorities.
The scam's low-tech but persistent nature underscores the need for author vigilance in an era of self-publishing and online book promotion. No single victim's losses were quantified in the report.