Every author knows the thrill of seeing a new message pop into their inbox — maybe it’s a reader, a reviewer, or someone who discovered your work and wants to connect. Unfortunately, scammers know this too, and they’ve learned to weaponize that hope. One of the more manipulative tactics circulating through author communities right now is the “spiritual revelation” extortion scam, a scheme that blends superstition, fear, and urgency to pressure creatives into paying for imaginary rituals.
Recently, I received a pair of messages that illustrate this scam perfectly. The sender claimed to have received divine insight about my books, warning that “witchcraft performance” from someone close to me was blocking my success. The solution? A spiritual cleansing ritual — conveniently available for purchase. The price started at $150, but the scammer quickly softened the demand with, “or tell me how much you can afford.” When I didn’t respond, the tone escalated into guilt and threats: if I didn’t act before the end of the month, I would “never see that kind of of thing again or forever.”
This pattern is not new. It’s a well‑documented fraud technique used by self‑proclaimed prophets, healers, and spiritual workers who target authors, widows, and anyone publicly sharing creative or emotional work. The formula is simple: Invent a supernatural threat → claim exclusive knowledge → offer a paid ritual → apply emotional pressure.
For authors, these messages often reference your books, your readers, or your creative future. The scammer doesn’t need to know anything specific — vague predictions and ominous warnings are enough to trigger anxiety in someone who’s already navigating the unpredictable world of publishing.
Here are the core red flags:
- Manufactured urgency: “Do this before the month ends or forever lose your chance.”
- Supernatural claims: “My spiritual spirit revealed…”
- Invented enemies: “Someone close to you is attacking your success.”
- Paid cleansing rituals: soaps, sacrifices, blessings, or spiritual baths.
- Emotional manipulation: “Why are you ignoring me?”
If you receive a message like this, treat it exactly as you would any other scam: block, delete, and do not engage. These individuals are not spiritual guides; they are predators exploiting fear and hope.
As authors, we’re especially vulnerable to anyone who promises visibility, success, or protection. That’s why communities like Authors Against Scammers exist: to help creatives recognize manipulation before it costs them money, time, or peace of mind.
If you’ve encountered similar messages, consider sharing them (with personal details removed) to help others stay informed. Scammers thrive in silence; authors thrive in community.
Original Message:
Re: Spiritual spirit work
On Wed, Jul 29, 2026, 2:59 PM Plent 001Simple <carosped1@gmail.com> wrote:
You are so grateful and I greet you congratulations if you hear and trust what AM saying
Alot of revelation about your work with your book my spiritual spirit revel to me that there’s some people coming to buy your book read it and review as More that not happening before the thing will happen for one week after that it will stop but there’s some close to you which is witchcraft performance so the person is attacking the things to happen you will know that person if I tell you but not that person work attack it you will make a sacrifice and I will prepare one soap for you with my spiritual you will use it to bath for three days after that you will be seeing change’s all your challenges will remove but the sacrifice will cost you $150 or if you don’t have that much money you can tell me how much you can afford
Second message, same day…
On Wed, Jul 29, 2026, 9:59 PM Plent 001Simple <carosped1@gmail.com> wrote:
Rea why are you ignoring my messages this is very very important thing you must do it before this month end see if you did not you can not see that kind thing in this year again or forever
You are so grateful and I greet you congratulations if you hear and trust what AM saying
Alot of revelation about your work with your book my spiritual spirit revel to me that there’s some people coming to buy your book read it and review as More that not happening before the thing will happen for one week after that it will stop but there’s some close to you which is witchcraft performance so the person is attacking the things to happen you will know that person if I tell you but not that person work attack it you will make a sacrifice and I will prepare one soap for you with my spiritual you will use it to bath for three days after that you will be seeing change’s all your challenges will remove but the sacrifice will cost you $150 or if you don’t have that much money you can tell me how much you can afford
Rea why are you ignoring my messages this is very very important thing you must do it before this month end see if you did not you can not see that kind thing in this year again or forever
Rae Stonehouse is a Canadian author, publisher, and advocate committed to exposing publishing scams and supporting writers through education and community. As the creator of Authors Against Scammers, Rae provides clear, practical guidance to help writers protect their work, their money, and their peace of mind. His books and resources reflect a lifelong dedication to empowering others through knowledge, clarity, and real‑world experience.
