Fall has a way of turning neighborhoods into hunting grounds — the leaves start dropping, the temperature dips just enough to make you think about your furnace, and suddenly every driveway in America has a stranger standing in it with a clipboard and a smile. This summer alone, we had two of them show up on our doorstep, unannounced, unvetted, and blissfully unbothered by the … [Read more...] about Knock, Knock, It’s a Home Repair Scam: Red Flags Every Homeowner Should Know
Scrivenings
Anthropic Lawsuit Scam: 5 Ways Scammers Are Targeting Writers
Who knew being broke and caffeinated would make us such attractive targets? Yet here I am, writing my third scam alert aimed at writers in as many months. Apparently, scammers have discovered that while we may not have money, we do have righteous indignation—and that's almost as good. This month's scam exploits everyone's favorite rage-inducing topic: the Anthropic class action … [Read more...] about Anthropic Lawsuit Scam: 5 Ways Scammers Are Targeting Writers
The Podcast Pitch Scam Targeting Authors Right Now
I'll be honest — I almost got scammed last week. Me. The person who’s been writing scam tips for over a decade. Shortly after covering a scam targeting authors, a slicker, more convincing version of the Podcast Pitch Scam landed in my inbox, and I nearly took the bait simply because I wasn't paying close enough attention. If it can almost fool me, it can definitely fool you. … [Read more...] about The Podcast Pitch Scam Targeting Authors Right Now
The Fake Podcast Interview Invitation
I write scam tips for everyone — but this one's personal. Recently, I've landed in the crosshairs of scammers who specifically target writers like me, and I've received three suspicious emails to prove it. The scam is called "The Fake Podcast Interview Invitation," and trust me, it's as flattering as it is dangerous. If you're a writer with any kind of public profile, … [Read more...] about The Fake Podcast Interview Invitation
Summer is Coming, and So are the Travel Scams
Spring is here, which means it's time to start plotting that perfect summer escape—mountains, beaches, or a big city with room service and questionable parking. For us, that vacation is a road trip through the National Parks in Utah. I'm sure it's different for you, but before you pack your bags (or even just your imagination), there's one modern travel companion you didn't ask … [Read more...] about Summer is Coming, and So are the Travel Scams