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Be on the Lookout for AI Bots in Our Forums and Our DM's

A. E. Lowan

A. E. Lowan

Forum Mom
Leadership
I'm putting this in Writing Discussions because everyone cruises through here before settling in.

Bots. They're here. Be aware. They really, really want us to give them our WIP's so they can 'beta read' them, This is a newish con intended to really actually steal our work. If you are approached in your DM's or on the open forums, put them on Ignore and please reply to this thread with their names.

Thanks, guys! Be safe out there.
 
pmmg

pmmg

Myth Weaver
Thanks Guys. I was talking to Rose yesterday, I dont think she was a bot, but she was here to solicit. I dont think thats really a fit for our community. She made a post saying so, that seems good enough.

If only GoodReads had people that could do this ;)
 
T

ThinkerX

Myth Weaver
Rose 1 - wanted to know about current WIPs. Told her I was taking a break after publishing the last book.

Beta0Edit - Wanted to sell me a theatrical trailer. Told him to read at least the last few pages of the 'Where do we go from here' thread before responding.

That said, I have been getting a flood of scam emails. 'Debby Zoey.' 'Cheryl S. Rickert.' 'Mary Jane Anderson.' (Among others.) They profess to be indie book reviewers, but the links they give all lead to the same site, and their pitches a too uniform.
 
Naruzeldamaster

Naruzeldamaster

Inkling
Rose 1 messaged me and was really pushy about asking if I had some WIP's
Another user was really pushy about wanting to be 'mai fwend' but I'm doubtful of that, that also smelled of bot activity.

I don't know if they were a bot or a scammer or a scammer with a robot chip in their brain but I ain't trusting rando dms asking me for my unfinished works.
 
A. E. Lowan

A. E. Lowan

Forum Mom
Leadership
pmmg said:
So, what is happening to these accounts? Are they being removed? or are we supposed to just watch out for them?
Click to expand...
I can point the Ban Hammer where it needs to go, but I can't actually ban anyone myself. My job is a little different. So, I'm really not sure how this will be addressed, but address it we will.
 
pmmg

pmmg

Myth Weaver
On the subject, I get these in emails, and on other sites as well. They all sound the same.

Hi, I was just reading your book and it is incredibly engaging. I especially the struggle that Samiare and Ruegette are having. It drew me in from the first page.

But I notice it does not have the engagement it deserves....


These people never read my book, they just looked at the blurb and pulled a small amount of info from that. They dont care if its engaging, they just want me to buy. I may spend money on things, and maybe other professionals, but by policy, I dont answer anyone who approaches me first. They cant be trusted. They are probably not much better than those nigerian rich uncle letters. If I am going to pay for a marketer, I need some reason to believe it will make a difference. I will do my research on them first.
 
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T

ThinkerX

Myth Weaver
pmmg said:
On the subject, I get these in emails, and on other sites as well. They all sound the same.

Hi, I was just reading your book and it is incredibly engaging. I especially the struggle that Samiare and Ruegette are having. It drew me in from the first page.

But I notice it does not have the engagement it deserves....


These people never read my book, they just looked at the blurb and pulled a small amount of info from that. They dont care if its engaging, they just want me to buy. I may spend money on things, and maybe other professionals, but by policy, I dont answer anyone who approaches me first. They cant be trusted. They are probably not much better than those nigerian rich uncle letters. If I am going to pay for a marketer, I need some reason to believe it will make a difference. I will do my research on them first.
Click to expand...
I suspect that most of the emails originate from the same group of (Nigerian) scammers. I also suspect, based on quality, that they have a new batch of not-so-savvy recruits. Look at some of the names.
 
Naruzeldamaster

Naruzeldamaster

Inkling
pmmg said:
Yeah. I am kind of like…if you thought it was so wonderful, go leave a review.

But, i know its a lie.
Click to expand...
That's when you troll them, ask them for an excerpt from the beginning of the book, the middle of the book, and the end of the book, and what was so moving about it.

I've talked with some people that like make a game out of 'trolling' commission artist scammers (The ones that are like 'I'll draw stuff for you! for free!' but then demand money later) and they've gotten them to draw some silly things before being asked for money. Said amount is usually absurd for the quality of the thing drawn. So they get called out on being a scammer.

Not the nicest thing in the world to do, but hey, if said scammers didn't smell the long con they deserve the con anyway.
 
Sheilawisz

Sheilawisz

Queen of Titania
Moderator
Thank you everyone!

The situation is indeed alarming, and this threat is already being taken care of. Please remain on the lookout for other AI bots that may try to invade Mythic Scribes. We value the assistance of our very appreciated members.

We shall keep an eye on anything weird that happens. The safety of you all is our greatest priority.
 
Diana Silver

Diana Silver

Sage
Maybe a pointless question, but whats there to be gained from this type of scam? Is it like... collecting training text for AI?

Feeling kinda stupid for not seeing what anyone could be after here...
 
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