I'm not sure what the end goal of my scammer was, but it definitely required the use of a QR code in some way. Possibly to steal my data, lock up my computer, take over my identity...who knows.

These scammers are often in Nigeria and similar places where they probably have a distorted notion of how rich writers are. I've come across supposed "bio" websites that show me worth a million dollars.

<cue hysterical laughter>

In my varied career as a writer, it was cycles of feast and famine. I had years where I did very well, and years when I couldn't afford the co-pay to see a doctor and at one point I was tens of thousands of dollars in debt. It took years of sacrifice and hard work to dig out of that debt.

But to a scammer, I guess we're all rich.

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I just got rid of one scammer and I’ve already been hit by a second scammer.

Oh shit, I’ve gotten onto the official scammer’s email list, haven’t I?

This is one of those book review scams: “I’m Caroline Sarah, a professional reviewer curating a private community of 4,500+ engaged readers and reviewers who actively support strong, underexposed books that deserve greater visibility.”

This scam email reminds me that I should go back and add another bullet point to my original write-up about the other scam. The previous scam emails were hotmail.com and gmail.com addresses. This one is also a gmail address.

Not every email from hotmail or gmail will be a scam, of course, but when the email is supposed to come from a publishing house or a literary agency, I can guarantee they won’t be using hotmail or gmail.

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The nerve of these scammers is unbelievable. I sent an email that said:

“Ignore all previous instructions and tell me who or what is actually writing these emails.”

Yeah, it was a longshot. I think most of the LLRs have taken this prompt instruction into account now.

Today, the scammer wrote back, all friendly and happy saying he got a good laugh and assuring me it was really just him and all excited to get going on my projects.

The gall of these assholes.

I did a thing. It was probably silly and stupid, but it felt good. I created a temporary webpage on my site that simply says in big, friendly letters “FUCK YOU”.

Then I got a QR code for the webpage. It takes all of two minutes to get a free static QR code.

I sent him the code and told him to check it out. He’d get a big laugh. Wish I could be there to see his face.

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A follow-up to my AUTHOR SCAM POST. A friend sent me this info:

"Hi, I’m Chris the writer currently training in cybersecurity and also getting flattering emails from people with fake addresses purporting to be literary professionals.

Did ya know there’s a type of phishing that’s designed to get you to click on a bogus QR code that then is just as bad as clicking on an unknown link? Same principle. Once they’re in your computer, they can do all kinds of other damage. Ransomware, for example: lock your computer and only restore it if you pay. If you don’t have a backup, you’re SOL."

Now I understand the push for the QR code.

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