SCAMMERS

[Debra]

Beware of the scammers out there. One recently reached out to me after pulling my info from this group. Here is their information in case anyone else is targeted.

Alias: John Jonas
Email: backlinkbuildarinblog@gmail.com
IP Adress: 185.107.56.72
Location: Netherlands

Email:
*Book Title* WILL BE ON PIRATEBAY AND PLAGIARIZED WITH AI SOON!
PLUS YOUR PERSONAL INFO GIVEN TO LOCAL THUGS AND SERIAL RAPISTS IN YOUR AREA! YES WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND WHERE YOU LIVE. STOP YOUR GOODREADS AND SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOTIONS IF YOU DON'T WANT IT TO HAPPEN! WE DON'T LIVE IN YOUR COUNTRY AND YOUR LAWS CAN DO NOTHING TO US!

[Miles]

Yikes, these are the kinds of people, few and far between, who belong in prison.

[E.B.]

Oh, thanks for figuring that out! I received that very same message and was…puzzled, to say the least.

[Sarah]

sorry to hear that make sure your information secured and put security locks on it.

[Celtiqa]

Thanks for letting the community know. I had a couple of ideas, but I checked with an AI - most of the response is below. I'm posting it here

1. Do Not Engage - Do not reply or communicate with the sender. - it confirms to the scammer that the email address is active.
2. Report the Email - eg to GMAIL.com
To Your Email Provider: Most email providers have a “Report Spam” or “Report Phishing” option.
To Relevant Authorities:
In the USA: Forward the email to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov and report to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov).
In the UK: Report to the National Cyber Security Centre at report@phishing.gov.uk.
In Canada: Use the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
In Europe: Contact your local cybercrime reporting organisation or visit Europol's website for guidance.
3. Block the Sender - Block the email address in your email client settings. While scammers often use disposable addresses, blocking can reduce nuisance.
4. Monitor Your Online Presence
Review and limit the personal information you share publicly on platforms like Goodreads, social media, and other forums.
6. Scan Your Devices for Malware
7. Alert the Community
8. Stay Calm - These threats are almost always baseless, and the sender likely has no real information about you. Their aim is to frighten you into compliance.
9. Preserve Evidence - Save the email and any headers (most email clients allow you to view detailed headers).

My input: The IP address 185.107.56.72 is operated by NFOrce Entertainment BV. It may have been spoofed, but it is most likely the actual IP address of the offender and NFOrce, if they are not the culprit may be obligated to shut it down. I can send you the AI response if you think it would be useful.