Idk if scammers suddenly just tripled but BE AWARE OF SCAMS!!
REPORT any users who you believe to be scammers.
Key phrases I’ve repeatedly noticed:
1. In their bio saying: “I am an artist, dedicated to bringing stories alive!”
2. Comments being like: “Oh this made me think of something!! Can I tell you?” Or “I’d love to share a small idea it inspired in me!” (This seems innocent, but if you respond they’ll say something along the lines of, “we can discuss on WhatsApp/discord!” And don’t be following just anybody on discord guys)
3. Comments that are really vague and could be said about any story (ex: wow, this story is so amazing. I love the way you write, the flow is so smooth and easy for readers to connect. Do you think the characters will be okay?)
4. Comments that seem to not even relate to your book at all. (ex: comments in your Art book about how great the story is, using the name of a character that doesn’t exist in your story)
5. Giving out instagram, discord, WhatsApp, etc. links. Who, with good intent, openly, unprompted shares a link??
6. Any of the activity listed above and they are a fresh and new account (Joined that day/month)
Of course, these aren’t the only ways, keep your eyes out for anyone strange, repeated behavior, copy and pasted comments or bios, oddly specific word choice, etc.
Be safe online, I’ve met wonderful people on here, but not everyone is your friend. It’s hard to differentiate between a real person and a scam sometimes, but a key rule is to NEVER give it personal information (phone number, full legal name, address (or where you live in general), Social Security Number, passwords, etc. If you are unsure, DONT SEND IT)
Also don’t follow just anybody on discord, insta, and WhatsApp. Most normal people will talk in comments, and then private messages in time, and then once they’ve talked a while and feel comfortable, then will give out those discord, insta, or WhatsApp user names.