Hello. I recently stumbled across this blog. Thank you so much for bringing these problems that plague the site (all of social media really) to light. :)
I don't know if you allow this though. I haven't seen anyone bringing these scammers up.
I'm a member of the writing community here and I have noted an alarming number of new accounts claiming to be beta readers or even known Authors.
These people will often show up in the comments under posts giving out generic positive praises/trying to be your friend/ Asking others to send them a DM for their beta reading service, which is probably them just using ai or 'feedback' of the story they so-called have read and the text reads as if it's ai. So these individuals could be putting others stories into ChatGPT or Prowritingaid's Beta Reader program (Which I forgot the name of).
Here's an example of one I found in a post:
"This is beautifully introspective. The imagery is strong, especially the contrast between “empathy softening my edges” and “just bones with a heartbeat.” If anything, you could lean even deeper into that tension the parts of yourself that feel too much versus the version that feels nothing. But as it is, the voice is clear and the emotional core hits. Really well done."
________
The user names of these accounts would always ends (from what I see) with Beta, Reader, or Script. The profiles are either empty or some generic message that goes like:
"I am [name], a skilled book editor and beta reader. I provide clear, actionable feedback to enhance clarity, structure, pacing, and overall impact while keeping your voice intact. Share your draft anytime—I’ll help refine it." or
"Writers, your story deserves the best! I offer Beta Reading, Book Editing, and Cover Design to help your manuscript shine from first draft to final cover. Let’s turn your words into a book readers can’t put down"
If not then they may have something really similar like it.
Part 2 follow up of this anon can be found here.
Hello! Thank you for letting me know about this!
There is, unfortunately, a scam going around targeting authors on Ao3 that is similar to this, where bots will comment on fics and then after a long description of "what they liked" about the fic, they will say 'I feel inspired to draw something for it. lets talk on <website."
I feel that the accounts you mentioned are likely trying to do the same thing, get the users to contact them, and then try to offer 'services' of some kind.
The ones that offer "art" via comments, are the same scammers that are performing what is known as the "muse" scam.
💬 1 🔁 113 ❤️ 97 · 🚨Scammer Alert🚨 + 🔎Scam Exam(ination)🔍 · Seen as: 'I'm feeling so inspired by your picture/art!' Scam Type: Muse Scam 1
the short end is- they try to get you to "commission" them, then they send you a fake check/order that, once you cash it- you get the money, but if you spend even $100 of- say- the $500 they sent you, once the check bounces, the bank takes $100 of your money to compensate for what you used.
They also usually have you send some sort of "shipping fee" to get the check, which obviously nobody should do.
The golden rule is: never give money, to get money.
And if someone wants you to download a program or go to a website you've never seen before to 'complete a deal' or 'download' something, it's best to report and block them as soon as possible.
Malicious data can infect PC's and phones via cookies, so getting your passwords stolen or worse- your bank info, is not something you want to happen. :(
I hope this helps and thank you for helping others!
-Bee
