Scammers know authors want visibility — and they exploit that desire with fake review services, bogus bestseller packages, and fraudulent “exposure” opportunities.
This hub exposes the most common marketing scams and teaches you how to verify legitimate services.
Common Marketing Scam Tactics
- Guaranteed bestseller status
- Fake Goodreads or Amazon review packages
- Paid “interviews” or “podcasts” with no audience
- Upsell spirals that drain your budget
- Fake testimonials and AI‑generated success stories
- Claims of “2,000 readers waiting for your book”
How to Verify a Marketing Service
- Look for real case studies
- Check for verifiable staff
- Search for complaints or scam reports
- Ask for proof of audience reach
- Avoid anyone who guarantees results
Scam Watch Case Files: Marketing Scams
- How to Document Evidence for a Dispute: Protecting Yourself from Marketing Scams
- The Upsell Spiral: How Scammers Trap Authors in Endless Online Fraud
- How to Spot Fake Testimonials
- Reply or Else: ‘Martin David’s’ Creepy Threat to Spam
- Dammy’s Fake Fan Club: The Sneaky ‘Follow-Up’ Scam Ghosting Indie Authors on Amazon
- The Storycraft Zoom Call Scam: Don’t Fall for Fake Podcast Exposure
Protect Yourself
If a promo service contacts you:
- Ask for metrics
- Request references
- Avoid pressure tactics
- Never pay for guaranteed reviews