Scams – Writers (and others) Beware

Most of us writers are a solitary lot.

This perhaps makes us a little more susceptible to grasping at a seemingly friendly contact. Out of the blue, ‘literary agents,’ ‘publishers eager to thrust us into stardom,’ and ‘winner of best book in the world’ contests seek our books by hawking fabulous prizes. Somehow, there’s never a winner, and of course, there is that “small” entry fee.

Even the very savvy historical fiction writer Helen Hollick
has a tale to tell on her blog.

http://ofhistoryandkings.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/has-bookbzz-buzzed-off

http://fatcatart.com/gallery/   (Artist Svetlana Petrova)

My last blog post here was an innocuous poem from my even more obscure “Moments of the Heart.” Well, I got an e-mail from a certain "[name] Special Services, manager” (title in lower case!) offering for this little volume to be exhibited at the American Library Association's Midwinter Meeting & Exhibition in Boston. While the ALA Exhibition is legitimate, they also have an interesting sidebar on their website entitled “Fair Guide Warning.” http://exhibitors.ala.org/

We have been advised that [name] Publishers has been soliciting paid listings in their publication, FAIR Guide, from exhibiting companies of the American Library Association Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits, and Annual Conference & Exhibition.

Please be advised that the American Library Association and Hall-Erickson, Inc. have no relationship or affiliation with this organization and does not recommend, approve or endorse any involvement or listing in the FAIR Guide on behalf of the American Library Association exhibitors.

I would not be surprised if my “solicitous” book advertiser is to be added soon. Whatever you do before opening the champagne for having been ‘discovered’ and plonking down any money: GOOGLE… My ‘new best friend’ turned out to be an outcropping of a widely scam-listed former vanity publisher.

Did I mention we are a solitary lot? Okay. Here's a little amusing aside (but related to scams):

     I Skype with a few relatives in Europe. It’s fun (as long as they don’t catch me in my jammies), and it doesn’t cost anything.

     The other day (yes, out of the proverbial blue), a young hunky 'Sargent' from Afghanistan asked to be in my contact list. (Or was it the ghost of a long-dead Boston portrait painter warning me not to keep writing about ancient curses?)  Oh, perhaps a Sergeant? Still, I didn't think so; way too young in any case. Press: Declined.

     The next day, a two-star general obliged...googled him, handsome man, much-decorated, taking over 3rd ID in SC. (Btw, with lovely wife.) Now, someone like that was more my speed. Sadly, Press: Declined.

     I could just 'hear' the airwaves rustling: "Ok, this lady has class…she wants a higher-up."

What do you know: Next, an honest-to-goodness four-star general requests to ‘meet' on Skype.

Googled him, and watched his very articulate testimony before the Senate on YouTube. Read his bio and saw photos (with lovely wife)!

     Against my lusting heart, I finally Googled "Skype+Scams."

     Well, well, well...How interesting (albeit not entirely unexpected).

     But I did learn that I can press “Profile.” Up comes the real URL of the 'requestor.' Then, there are two other lovely buttons: "Block" and "Report." Did that. Felt good.

     Except, now I don’t have anyone who wants me. Have I—with my suspicious heart—thwarted my late-in-life chance to have my own Nigerian Prince hanging around my neck (and my small - Scammers, read SMALL - bank account)?

So, once again, it's back to hugging my sweet Pasha -
who has his own blog and book, mind you.
ingehborg.blogspot.com

Or, maybe I should publish a few more poems on here....