14/08/2026
URGENT FRAUD WARNING – PLEASE SHARE
We are issuing an important warning regarding individuals who are presenting themselves as legitimate publishers, book marketers, literary agents, or promotional service providers while allegedly using deceptive practices to obtain money from writers and authors, particularly elderly writers in the United States, Canada, and other countries.
These individuals may approach writers with convincing promises of publishing support, book promotion, marketing campaigns, distribution opportunities, representation, or guaranteed results. In some reported cases, victims have continued to be asked for additional payments after the initial transaction.
PLEASE TAKE IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONS
If you or anyone you manage has been contacted by a suspicious publishing or marketing service:
Stop all communication immediately until the individual or company has been independently verified.
Do not send any additional money.
Do not provide passports, identification documents, banking information, card details, login credentials, manuscripts, or other sensitive personal information.
Do not allow anyone remote access to your computer, email, publishing accounts, or financial accounts.
Keep copies of emails, contracts, invoices, receipts, payment records, phone numbers, websites, social-media profiles, and messages.
If money has already been sent, contact your bank or payment provider as soon as possible and ask what fraud-protection or dispute options are available.
Report suspicious activity to the appropriate fraud or law-enforcement authorities in your country.
Managers, family members, literary representatives and caregivers should pay particular attention to elderly writers who may be approached repeatedly by people offering expensive publishing or marketing opportunities.
If you recognise any person being reported for this type of activity and you are located in the same city or jurisdiction, do not confront them personally. Report the information and supporting requested evidence to the appropriate authorities.
Please circulate this warning among writers, authors, publishing communities and management teams
