Scam Alert – Rachel Abbott

 

 

Here is an example of a classic “author‑to‑author” engagement scam.

Header: Reaching Out as a Fellow Writer Rachel Abbott rachellyabbott@gmail.com

Message: Hello Rae,

I hope you’re well.

I recently came across your work and felt moved to get in touch. There’s something rather special about connecting with another writer, someone who understands both the quiet discipline and the emotional investment that storytelling requires.

I always value conversations with fellow authors, particularly about the journeys that shape our stories and the ideas that continue to nudge us back to the page. If you’d be open to it, I’d be delighted to stay in touch and exchange thoughts along the way.

Wishing you every continued success and inspiration in your writing.

Warmest wishes, Rachel Abbott

~~~

Scam Analysis:

It reads like a classic “author‑to‑author” engagement scam, a pattern that has been widely reported by writers and flagged in scam‑tracking communities. While the name Rachel Abbott is also the name of a real, successful UK thriller author, the email you received does not match her style, her known contact channels, or her professional behavior. Scammers often borrow the names of real authors to appear legitimate.

Below is a structured assessment based on known scam patterns, linguistic markers, and the context you provided.

🚩 Key red flags in the message

1. Generic flattery with no specifics

The email says:

• “I recently came across your work”
• “felt moved to get in touch”
• “connecting with another writer”

There is no mention of your actual books, website, genre, or anything identifiable. Genuine authors reference something concrete.

2. Overly polished emotional tone

Scam emails targeting writers often use:

• warm, literary language
• emotional bonding (“quiet discipline,” “emotional investment”)
• vague references to “storytelling”

This is a known pattern used to build trust before a later ask.

3. Gmail address instead of a professional domain

A real author—especially one with an established career—uses:

• a website domain email
• an agent’s email
• a publisher’s email

A Gmail address is a major red flag for impersonation.

4. No links, no signature, no author identity

A legitimate author would include:

• website
• book titles
• social media
• professional signature

The absence of all of these is suspicious.

5. The “soft open” scam pattern

This email fits the first stage of a known scam sequence targeting writers:

1. Warm, personal introduction
2. Establishing emotional rapport
3. Follow‑up message asking to “collaborate,” “exchange manuscripts,” or “review work”
4. Eventually leading to:

• phishing
• malware attachments
• paid “editing” or “publishing” services
• requests to read your manuscript (IP theft)
• social engineering

Writers are a common target because scammers know they value connection and community.

🧩 What the email doesn’t do (yet)

There is no ask for:

• money
• files
• links
• personal information

This is typical of stage 1 scam grooming. The goal is to get you to respond so they can escalate.

 

🛡️ Likely intent

Based on patterns documented by author‑scam databases and anti‑fraud resources, this message is likely:

• an impersonation of a real author, or
• a fake writer persona created to build rapport, leading to a later scam attempt

There is no evidence this

is a legitimate outreach.

✔️ Recommended action

• Do not reply.
• Do not click anything if a follow‑up email arrives.
• Add the address to your scam‑tracking notes.