The Rise of AI-Powered Publishing Scams: A Threat to Authors
Eight years of dedication went into Jon Cocks’ debut historical novel, Angel of Aleppo. Inspired by his wife’s grandmother, a survivor of the Armenian genocide, it was a labor of love. But Cocks’ emotional investment made him vulnerable to a recent wave of publishing fraud fueled by artificial intelligence. He lost almost A$10,000 to scammers promising global recognition.
How AI is Supercharging Book Swindles
What was once a slow con has become a pandemic. Rogue publishing schemes, often operating from South Asia, the Philippines, and Nigeria, are leveraging AI to mimic legitimate businesses and target authors with unprecedented efficiency. These scams are essentially romance scams, but instead of promising love, they offer the dream of literary success.
The core tactic involves showering authors with praise, then demanding thousands of dollars for “marketing packages” that deliver little to no value. AI allows scammers to personalize these pitches at scale, identifying low-selling authors and crafting convincing messages.
A History of Literary Deception
Literary deception isn’t new. Forged papal letters were used for centuries, and in more recent times, fraudulent autobiographies and fake diaries have surfaced. However, AI dramatically lowers the barrier to entry for scammers. The fake 1970s Howard Hughes autobiography netted its creator US$5 million (in today’s money), although the fake Hitler diaries sold for over US$11 million.
The Tactics Scammers Employ
Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated methods, including:
- Fake Websites: Creating convincing replicas of legitimate publishing houses, often registered with privacy services in locations like Iceland.
- AI-Generated Praise: Flooding authors with glowing reviews from accounts created solely for the purpose of deception.
- Extortion: Removing books from sale until authors pay exorbitant fees for bogus services.
- Fake Contracts: Offering non-existent film deals or author licenses.
One common scam involves offering “book returns insurance” or requiring authors to pay for a nonexistent “US author’s license.”
The Scale of the Problem
Writers Weekly has identified over 2,500 scam publishers. Losses range from $5,000 to $20,000 per victim, with some book-to-film scams costing authors as much as $100,000. An FBI investigation last year led to the arrest of three people involved in a $44 million scam targeting elderly authors.
Protecting Yourself: A Guide for Authors
Authors, particularly self-published authors, need to be vigilant. Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Research Thoroughly: Verify the legitimacy of any publisher or service provider before paying any fees.
- Be Wary of Unsolicited Offers: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Check Domain Registration: Investigate the domain registration information of any website offering publishing services.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, it probably is.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Report scams to the relevant authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission.
The Role of Tech Platforms
Tech platforms like Meta are facing scrutiny for enabling these scams through their advertising networks. A Reuters investigation found that Meta could earn up to $16 billion annually from ads linked to fraudulent schemes. While Meta claims to be combating fraud, critics argue that its business model incentivizes tolerating it.
Future Trends and What to Expect
As AI technology continues to advance, these scams will likely become even more sophisticated and challenging to detect. Expect to see:
- Hyper-Personalized Scams: AI will enable scammers to create even more convincing and targeted pitches.
- Deepfake Technology: Scammers may use deepfakes to impersonate industry professionals.
- Increased Automation: The entire scam process, from initial contact to payment collection, will become increasingly automated.
FAQ
- What is a publishing scam?
- A publishing scam is a fraudulent scheme that targets authors, typically by offering services that are either worthless or nonexistent in exchange for money.
- How can I tell if a publisher is legitimate?
- Research the publisher thoroughly, check their credentials, and be wary of unsolicited offers or requests for upfront fees.
- What should I do if I think I’ve been scammed?
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission and any other relevant authorities. Gather any evidence you have, such as emails and payment records.
The rise of AI-powered publishing scams poses a significant threat to authors. By staying informed and vigilant, authors can protect themselves from becoming victims of these increasingly sophisticated schemes.
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