Stay Safe Online: 10 Essential Tips to Protect Writers from Grifters
Here's how to be careful...
Social media is a crucial part of any writer’s ‘author platform,’ as it’s a wonderful way to connect with readers, other writers, network, and find opportunities. However, it's crucial we’re also vigilant about online grifters.
What is a grifter? A person who relies on sophisticated skills to fool people out of their money, as opposed to committing acts of violence.
These individuals or entities often disguise themselves as genuine. Here's how you can spot and avoid them:
🚩Overpromising and Underdelivering: If someone approaches you with offers that sound too good to be true, like guaranteeing massive follower growth overnight or promising viral content with minimal effort, be wary.
Also: What’s their refund policy? I never promise anything I can't deliver. In the rare case a client is unhappy (hey, it happens), I’ve given full refunds. And that’s in writing. In my contracts.
Real growth, in social media as in writing, takes time and effort. More here ⬇️🚩Lack of Transparency: Pay attention to their online presence. If they have a scant or non-existent digital footprint, or if their social media accounts are relatively new with little to no engagement (e.g., interaction), or if they provide no verifiable specifics for claims, those are all red flags.
Look out for huge amounts of ‘fake’ followers - typically recognizable by foreign-sounding names, no profile pic, and no bio or posts. If there’s literally no mention of them beyond their own claims, common sense tells us to proceed with caution. It raises questions about credibility.
Tip: If you have a business, add your testimonials to your website (see mine here, right on my site homepage). I also offer references on request. Oh yea, and have a darn website! No website? Questionable.🚩Pressure Tactics: Grifters often create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to make quick decisions, such as an editor, coach, consultant, or even publisher who insists you must sign up for their expensive course immediately or “miss a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”
Yea, no. Pass.
That said, limited-time offers are common during the holidays, and many may very well be legit. Take your time. Read more here:🚩Request for Sensitive Information: Be extremely cautious if anyone asks for personal information or surprise payments, especially if it's through unsecured methods (nobody needs your usernames and passwords, y’all), such as a supposed “media/lifestyle/wellness/self-help/exercise/cat hair guru” who asks for your login credentials or personal details for a “free account audit.” *
*Audits don’t require your account info. I do audits for clients all the time with zero need for access to their info. To see more, click here.
Don’t click on a link in a DM or PM (even people you know if it seems random) - that’s a virus download or hack waiting to happen. If you’re really curious, look up the info online instead in a new tab.🚩Inconsistencies in Communication: Pay attention to how they communicate. If you notice inconsistencies in their stories or promises, it’s a warning sign.
With the advent of XSpaces, Clubhouse, and other audio-only options, it’s more important than ever to listen with intention, and if it doesn’t serve you or gives you a bad feeling, walk away. Disengage. Hasta la vista, baby.
Supposed experts touting miracle anything (followers, sales, a feature on Oprah) undermine their credibility and our belief in them.
Grifters are unreliable narrators.Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash 🚩Check Reviews and Testimonials: Just like you would for a book or a writer, look for verifiable reviews or testimonials about their courses, books, or services. Lack of positive reviews is also a concerning sign, just as are too many overly effusive reviews.
If an author claims to be a bestseller but has no reviews on Amazon or Goodreads, or other more traditional outlets, move on.🚩Trust Your Instincts: Trust your gut. If something feels off, like a storyline that doesn't fit into the narrative, it probably is.
Say you're in talks with a freelancer (consultant, coach, virtual assistant, even a therapist), but something about their demands and communication style feels off. It’s okay to decline to hire them.
Intuition is a combo of experience and expertise. Even if you’re not sure why it feels wrong, that’s okay, too.
You can be a good person with a kind heart and still say no.🚩Investigate Their Success Stories: Take the time to investigate their showcased success stories and client testimonials, such as a consultant who showcases a success story of a client, but on closer inspection, the client’s social media profiles show no significant activity, growth, or engagement.
This includes excessive ‘humble brags’ (an ostensibly modest or self-deprecating statement whose actual purpose is to draw attention to something of which one is proud).**
**There’s a huge difference between occasional self-promo or sharing goal attainment, and constant humble bragging. Great thread with examples here from Vennie Kocsis on X.
If they're unable to provide credible examples or references, or if their purported success stories are unverifiable, it's a signal to proceed with caution, IF at all.🚩Beware of Unprofessional Behavior: Professionalism is key, just as it is in writing and publishing. Many writers share online with regard to politics or religion, for example, which can put off readers or potential clients, or may get them involved in online drama (see the latest about review bombing on Goodreads here).
A mentor once told me, “Nobody is watching on social media until everyone is watching,” and that stays in front of my mind as an author and professional book marketing consultant.
If you notice inconsistent communication or if they show a lack of understanding of the basic principles in whatever they claim expertise, these are warning signs that diminish our trust and their credibility.🚩Continuous Learning and Vigilance: The digital landscape is constantly evolving. Twitter is now X. Threads and a host of other social apps are growing like weeds. And who had even heard of AI tools a year ago?
Stay informed about the latest scams and tactics used by online grifters. Participate in online spaces with people you trust, attend webinars, join professional groups, or follow credible sources. More here from WriterBeware about a current publishing scam.
Remember, our mental health and safety are paramount. Better to be cautious and take time to assess opportunities than rush into potentially harmful situations that can affect us adversely in many ways. Our long-term sustainability is the goal.
Coming up:
🎁 11/15: Book promo and giveaways with guest authors Alexandria Szeman and Vennie Kocsis - join us for holiday giveaways and fun prizes! Don’t miss it! Click the link right now to set a reminder and even add it to your calendar.
11/22 and 11/29 - NO Spaces - Thanksgiving holiday.
➡️ Click to enter our $100 Amazon gift card and book giveaway (free to enter): https://buff.ly/3tYuOJ4 (seriously, no strings):
Thank you for reading. Please feel free to share your thoughts and experiences. Have a great weekend! Here’s Pip:
Such great info! Thank you!!
This post is 🔥🔥🔥🔥 So much you unpacked to help people not get grifted on.