Image sourced by CHUTTERSNAP @chuttersnap
Welcome back to our Budget and Grow Rich® blog post series on How to Protect Yourself from Online Fraud and Cyber Crime!
In case you missed parts 1 and 2, we revealed an online fraud that involved a scammer – a cyber criminal – who impersonated (online) a senior editor at Macmillan publishing.
In Part 1, we also shared 17 ways to avoid becoming a victim of online fraud and cyber crime.
To catch up on Part 1, click here and Part 2, here.
It’s EASY to fall for these scams because these cyber criminals and scammers are very clever.
They play on people’s dreams and emotions. They look to create a connection with the victim based on a common theme – a group that the victim belongs to or a cause or dream that’s important to the victim.
In this post, we feature and analyze another phishing email we received.
Let’s get to it.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Here’s the email we received [names changed to avoid any trouble]
The email contains 421 words and was essentially one big, run-on text.
We’ve added hard returns to separate the paragraphs to make the email easier to read.
In addition, you’ll notice some text that we boldfaced and highlighted in yellow to call the key points to your attention.
They use a Gmail instead of a business email address. This is a Red Flag!
The email was essentially one long run-on paragraph.
This is often a sign of English as a Second Language (ESL). To make this blog post easier to read, we have broken down the text into shorter paragraphs.
The writing and grammar were inconsistent.
KKFI 90.1 FM is in fact a radio station based in Kansas City, Missouri., which is appealing and exciting.
The gold for authors is to tell their story on syndicated radio. This is a great promise.
But what’s the likelihood these guys would have a connection with radio show producers at a station in Kansas City?
The HOOK:
The writer praises my book, Save Money on Groceries. And what author wouldn’t get excited about that, not to mention appearing on radio?
In the second paragraph, they mention my “actionable techniques for mindfulness and stress reduction, and your framework of using strict financial planning matrices to decipher complex spending chaos into pure wealth building.”
BUT, my book, at least the one they mentioned, is “Save Money on Groceries.”
My book does not contain even one word about “peak performance” or “mindfulness and stress reduction.”
My book delivers over 327 ways to save money on groceries and beat the high cost of living.
The Cost:
“Author Fee: The only expense covered by the author is the syndication fee.”
The scammers do a great job of promising to provide a compelling package of benefits.
That makes the fee seem small in comparison to the benefits they claim to offer.
The problem is that it’s HIGHLY UNLIKELY they will deliver anything.
Their language makes the whole process seem easy and holds the “secret key” to fame and fortune,
“Our team handles the complete production and placement pipeline.”
Search Engine Indexing is important regarding getting global reach and promotion.
The next to last paragraph says, “Please note that distribution slots for this international campaign cycle are strictly limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis.”
This language is a copywriting technique that’s designed to convey scarcity – that there are only a few publicity packages available – and to compel the reader into action quickly. And. . .
Lastly, they ask me to “Confirm your participation and receive your onboarding dossier.”
Frankly, I’m not even sure what an “onboarding dossier” is but it sounds like something special.
Oh and one more thing:
When I checked out “Oscar” online, the Internet said he lives in Africa – Hardly someone that would be connected with a radio station in Kansas City, Missouri.
Here’s the email – broken down into shorter paragraphs. . .
From: Oscar Allenfold < Oscar.Allenfold@gmail.com>
Date: October 1, 20XX at 8:16:40 PM EDT
To: ARTHURVANDAM1@gmail.comSubject: Editorial Consideration & Broadcast Slot: Save Money on Groceries on KKFI 90.1 FM
Our commercial finance evaluation committee recently concluded an in-depth review of your publication, Save Money on Groceries: 327 Ways to Cut Your Grocery Bill and More, and we are pleased to inform you that your work has been officially selected for our upcoming international media distribution initiative.
Our panel was particularly impressed by your practical approach to peak performance, your actionable techniques for mindfulness and stress reduction, and your framework of using strict financial planning matrices to decipher complex spending chaos into pure wealth building, and we believe your message holds significant relevance for global audiences.
To ensure your book achieves maximum reach, our campaign is strictly focused on broad media distribution and radio broadcasting.
Phase 1: Radio Broadcast and Audio Syndication:
To ensure your message reaches listener networks across major markets, our team handles the complete production and placement pipeline: 30 to 45 Minute Studio Audio Recording: You will participate in a guided remote audio recording session with our production team.
Professional Post Production:
Our team handles all sound engineering, audio editing, and sound mastering completely free of charge.
KKFI 90.1 FM Broadcast Submission:Once finalized, your recorded session and book profile are submitted directly for FM radio broadcast consideration across syndicated stations in the US and UK.
Full Audio Ownership:
You receive a high definition master audio file with 100 percent full ownership rights to feature on your personal website, podcasts, or social channels.
Phase 2: High Traffic Press Distribution and Syndication:
Custom Press Release Creation: Our media team drafts a newsworthy press release focusing on the core message and themes of your book.
Syndication Across Global News Outlets:
Your story is syndicated across major global news platforms, including AP News, London News, UK Daily Wire, USA Wire, and over 100 high traffic digital news networks.
Search Engine Indexing:Strategic syndication creates persistent, high quality backlinks and permanent Google search indexing to maximize your digital reach.
Campaign Structure and Cost Breakdown Complimentary Services (No Cost):
Audio recording production, post production editing, KKFI 90.1 FM submission, and media press drafting are provided completely free of charge.
Author Fee: The only expense covered by the author is the syndication fee, which covers the direct cost of publishing your news release across high traffic premium news networks and search indexing platforms.
Please note that distribution slots for this international campaign cycle are strictly limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis.Reply directly to this email to confirm your participation and receive your onboarding dossier.
Best regards,Media Relations Team
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Always be on guard out there and stay safe!
And do your homework.
If you receive an email offer out of the blue, check it out.
If it seems too good to be true, unfortunately, it probably is.
DON’T ANSWER. DON’T GET INVOLVED.
There are plenty of ways for authors to land genuine publicity and media coverage, which we’ll cover in future blog posts.
Next week in Part 4, we return to the story about Jerry, the alleged Macmillan editor, and reprint the email sequence between all the parties: Jerry the alleged Macmillan editor; Andrea the alleged literary agent; and Allen the alleged publishing consultant.
Stay safe out there please.
See you next week.
Arthur V.
To really save money on groceries, click here. This offer is genuine – the real deal!
10 Easy Ways to Accumulate $1,000,000 Now!
The Often Overlooked Secrets to Building Wealth
Commonsense how-to delivers a frank conversation with a rich uncle – a step-by-step wealth-building system that will help you build wealth like clockwork.
How to Succeed and Achieve Your Dreams!
Tired of the rat race?
To Succeed even bigger, greater and stronger, 10X your success – click here.
Budget and Grow Rich® is the original e-book guide to easy budgeting and wealth-building. Gain financial freedom and pour money into your pockets today and for years to come.
Finally, the proven roadmap to building wealth – how to make a personal budget that really works. Explained in plain English – easy to follow, practical steps. Since 1974, personal finance expert and author Arthur VanDam has used this system to organize his finances, manage his money and amass wealth. Now you can too. This straightforward guide tells all! Handy spending plan worksheet includes 14 categories that does it all. Practical tips and ways on how to create a financial plan and put your financial plan on auto pilot. Budgeting At Your Finger Tips will help You save more money, build more wealth, gain peace of mind and enjoy financial freedom.
Take your Business, Career & Life to a New Level with this Experiential, Immersive Live Event FREE!
How to Make Money in your Spare Time Writing Letters.