Social media is a hunting ground for scammers who use fake profiles, fake groups, and fake opportunities to target authors.
This hub exposes the most common social‑media‑based scams and teaches you how to verify accounts and groups.
Common Social Media Scam Tactics
- Fake author groups with inflated member counts
- DM offers for contracts or reviews
- Fake LinkedIn job offers
- Impersonation of real authors or editors
- Suspicious Calendly links
- “Follow‑up” scams that escalate into paid offers
How to Verify Social Media Accounts
- Check account age
- Look for real engagement
- Verify profile photos
- Search for duplicate accounts
- Look for inconsistencies in posting history
Scam Watch Case Files: Social Media Scams
-
Spotting Fake Facebook Author Groups: Your Due Diligence Guide
- How to Tell If a Twitter Follower Is a Scammer: A Guide for Authors and Creatives
- Linkedin Scammer David Terry
Protect Yourself
If a social media account contacts you:
- Do not click links
- Verify the profile
- Avoid off‑platform communication