Created by Author Brian A. Mendonça (@theauthorbrian on x.com). Website: theauthorbrian.com

Social media platforms like X.com have redefined how authors connect with readers, publishers, and other professionals in the literary world. However, this connectivity also creates opportunities for scammers who prey on writers with fake offers, phony services, and unrealistic promises. From “guaranteed bestseller” schemes to impostors posing as literary agents, these scams can cost authors time, money, and credibility. This guide equips you with actionable strategies to identify, avoid, and report scams on X.com, ensuring your writing journey stays safe and productive.

Warning about fake accounts and scammers

Red Flag: Be wary of accounts claiming to be agents, editors, influencers, or industry professionals. They often reach out to you first.

Why it’s a red flag: Scammers often copy the profiles of famous people to build trust. If they’re really who they say they are, they’re probably too busy to be cold-messaging people for more business opportunities.

How to verify whether an account is legitimate

Cross-check their official website or verified social profiles: Look for a “Contact” page or “About” section that lists the same Twitter handle and email address if applicable.

Ensure their website links back to the same Twitter profile: Click on links to confirm they direct to a legitimate site (e.g., a .com or .org domain, not a free hosting service like WordPress or Wix).

Check for verification badges: Verified accounts on X.com have a blue or gold checkmark. If the account claims to be an industry leader or highly famous author but lacks this, it’s a warning sign.

Follower counts mean nothing: Follower counts, even if it’s a high number, is not a way to prove that an account is legitimate. A scammer can inflate their accounts with bot followers, but it is much harder for them to get a blue checkmark badge.

Action: Avoid sharing personal or financial details until you’ve confirmed their identity.

Paid review or engagement scams

Red Flag: Promises of instant success like “500 reviews in 1 week” or “guaranteed bestseller status.”

Why it’s a scam: Legitimate marketing takes time and effort. Claims of overnight success often involve bot farms—automated programs that generate fake reviews or followers to inflate social media metrics.

How to recognize paid review and engagement scams

Phrasing: Fake reviews may have identical, repetitive, or AI-generated phrasing.

Look for bot activity: When investigating accounts that a potential scammer may have shown you as “proof of their work”, look for sudden spikes in followers, reviews, or engagement without organic activity (e.g., no replies or comments despite having a high follower count). Strange patterns indicate potential bot activity.

Action: Ignore these offers. Scammers exploit desperation for visibility. Stick to ethical promotion methods like author interviews, guest posts, or collaborating with genuine influencers.

Requests for upfront payments without transparency

Red Flag: Scammers will demand for payment before work begins, with vague terms like “We’ll provide our service, but we need money from you first to reserve your spot and prove you’re trustworthy!”

Why it’s a scam: Legitimate professionals provide contracts, portfolios, and timelines. Reputable agents or editors never charge fees upfront for manuscript evaluation or representation. Cover artists and editors may request milestone payments, tied to the percentage of the project completed.

Actions:

Always get a contract before paying. The contract should specify what work will be done, payment details, deadlines, and your refund rights.

Use third-party platforms for oversight: If you must hire someone without a full contract, consider using platforms like Fiverr or Upwork that offer dispute resolution and payment protection.

Research the service provider: Check reviews on online or ask for client testimonials. If the service provider gives you their reviews and portfolio, verify that the entries are legitimate. Anyone can say they worked on a particular project, but verify with the source that it is true. For instance, one might claim they designed the book cover for Harry Potter, but is their name credited anywhere? Many books will haves the name of the cover designer in the copyright pages.

Payment Methods: Scammers may insist on unconventional payment methods like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, which are harder to trace and recover from if scammed. Legitimate service providers typically use secure, well-known payment platforms that offer buyer protection.

Beware of referrals and the “My Friend Trick”

Red Flag: A fellow “author” compliments your work but then criticizes your sales, number of reviews, or writing quality. They’ll then suggest a “friend” who offers editing, marketing, or publishing services.

Why it’s a scam: The “friend” is often a fake account controlled by the same scammer. The referral is a manipulative tactic to push you toward a fraudulent service.

How to Verify:

Check the referrer’s account history: Look for a newly created profile with only a few followers or posts.

Search the referred service online: Use Google to see if others have reported the person as a scam or left any reviews. Google the sender’s name + “scam” or “review”. No information found hints that the account is newly created and may not have a long track record. Even minor red flags warrant caution.

Cross-reference both accounts: Are their bios inconsistent? Do they follow each other? Scammers often create multiple linked accounts.

Action: Politely thank the referrer, but do not engage further. Report the account to X.com and share details with trusted communities.

What to do when you encounter a scammer

Don’t engage or respond

Why: Responding, even to say no, signals that you’re reading unsolicited messages, prompting more scam attempts. Scammers target those who respond because they’re perceived as vulnerable.

Do: Delete the message or ignore it. Avoid replying to direct messages or tweets, as this could trigger automated follow-up spam.

Protect your information

Never share: Bank details, unpublished manuscripts, or personal data (e.g., Social Security numbers, credit card numbers).

Malicious links: Avoid clicking links from unknown senders. Scammers use phishing links to install malware or steal login credentials.

Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Protect your X.com account with 2FA to prevent hackers from accessing it.

Leverage trusted networks

Why it matters: Scammers thrive on your lack of information. Trusted communities provide emotional support, practical advice, and early warnings about new scams. When you share experiences, you empower others to stay vigilant.

Join writing groups: take part in Facebook groups, Discord servers (e.g., #WritingCommunity), or local writing clubs.

Share experiences: Post about possible scams to raise awareness. Use hashtags like #AuthorScams or #WritingCommunity to reach a broader audience.

Are fake literary agents common?

They are common: Research the agent’s website, check Writer Beware, and ensure they’re listed in reputable directories. If they email you, check that the email is from an official business account, not a free email service or personal email address. Legitimate agents never charge fees for manuscript evaluations or representation.

Conclusion

Scams on X.com exploit authors’ ambitions and vulnerabilities, but with awareness and preparation, you can stay safe. Remember:

• Verify everything you can about a person before sharing money, manuscripts, or personal details.
• Report and block suspicious accounts to protect others.
• Share your experiences to strengthen the writing community’s defenses.
• The writing world is at its best when authors support one another. Stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and keep creating—your work deserves the spotlight, not a scammer’s greed.