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
Scams & Cons
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
The Great Easter Bunny Scam: A PR Masterclass
Let’s be real: who wants to admit they’ve been scammed on Easter? Not me! But after writing scam tips since 2012, I can't let a little thing like a major holiday get in the way, so ’m here to ring the alarm on what might just be the ultimate marketing con: the Great Easter Bunny scam. Seriously—who else could get us to fork over our hard-earned cash for chocolate eggs, all … [Read more...] about The Great Easter Bunny Scam: A PR Masterclass
Tips to Avoid a QR Code Scam
QR codes are now part of everyday life. We see them everywhere from restaurant tables to parking meters, medical offices to mailers that arrive at our homes. The good news is, they're convenient — just point your phone’s camera at that little square and you’re instantly taken where you need to go. The bad news, a QR code scam is easy to pull off. The thing is, once you … [Read more...] about Tips to Avoid a QR Code Scam
Three Scam Killer Rules to Stop Scams Cold
I’ve written a monthly tip on how to avoid scams for over a decade. During that time, I've seen new tricks appear almost constantly—fake delivery notices, urgent bank calls, medical benefits that sound just believable enough.But here’s the truth: You don’t need to memorize every scam to stay safe.Scams change. Human behavior doesn’t. When I started writing about … [Read more...] about Three Scam Killer Rules to Stop Scams Cold