Goodreads Reviewers' Group discussion

I got a fake email that claimed to be from Amazon saying they had closed my account for violation of Amazon terms. That gets you flustered immediately since that account is vital. I was suspicious and did not click on anything but contacted Amazon via chat. The guy confirmed it was not from Amazon and my account was secure. I reported it to Amazon but just giving a heads up to the rest of you, in case you get something similar... it is bogus!

many thanks, that sort of panic would make anyone click without thinking.

Thank you Miss Mary that is good to know!

I've received two messages in as many weeks asking to review my "latest" book, of which I only have one.
The first was from "Doug" of Tastybooks, which another Goodreads author said she'd heard from him, too.
The second was an identical message from an "Alex Pavlenkov."
I share this here to make others aware of charlatans (read: *#^%?) who either want your private email address or/and a free book.

Thanks, Andria. Maybe we should have a standing "scams" thread?

Yes, Mary Ellen, I think that's an excellent idea. For no other reason than the two who have targeted me, personally, have been men. Although I have not seen any posts from male authors claiming to have received any bogus or suspicious emails, I think a SCAM or THREAT BOARD sounds like it would benefit everyone.

I agree. I get emails from people who say they came across my book and would like me to consider their services in promoting it. I'm always suspicious of those emails.

But what about those that contact you, offering to review your work, but just want a free book? Is that considered a scam?

My opinion is "Yes." I only send a mobi or hardcopy to people I contact for reviews. They have legit websites and proof they post reviews on a regular basis. Or, through Goodreads Review groups. But, I'm a very suspicious individual. I also have a website, which people can use to send me a message, plus a FB page where they can message me. But, again, I research them before answering. (I think in a past life I must have been a cop/private detective:)

Those are all good practices, Andria. I don't just send out free copies to anyone who asks either.

I've certainly learned my lesson.

As someone who PA's for a struggling Indie Author, I can't tell you how disgusted I get with the people that do this. I work my a$$ off getting the word out there and getting people to agree to read and review an ARC, send out over 100 free copies and only after sending an email to every email address, do we get like 60 reviews. I don't mind getting the people signed up nor do I mind sending out a reminder on release day. But when the reviews aren't even posted on GR's in the first place only makes me think that the people did NOT even bother reading the book to begin with and/or they just didn't feel the need to take 2 minutes to rate and write a line or two about the book. Not only is it a scam in my eyes but it should be a crime! It's stealing when you don't follow through with your end of the deal in my eyes!

You could not have said it better, Jennifer. Some people just don't appreciate how much effort and time goes into promoting. And when they receive a free book, someone had to pay for it--the author. So, when they see a way to get a free one, they don't mind making a promise they never intend to keep. They don't mind spending over $200 for an iPhone, but 2.99 for a book is just asking too much. And God forbid they have to sit down for "two minutes" and write a review to help the author out.