Impersonated by a Scammer on TikTok
I am not on TikTok.
I will never be on TikTok.
This bethcato2 account is impersonating me and direct messaging writers in an effort to sell marketing services. Any account pretending to be me on TikTok is fraudulent. Even more, I will never, ever, in a million years contact people in such a manner to sell marketing services on any platform.
I’ve been informed that reporting an impersonator on TikTok isn’t really possible unless you are the person being impersonated. That said, if you’re on there, report them however you can, and even more, shame them and shame the platform for enabling this behavior. Please. I want people to share my warning posts and graphic everywhere. Get the word out.
Please reach out to new authors online and in person. Warn them to never, ever trust direct solicitations, no matter how flattering they seem, whether they come via email or social media. As I posted just recently, I’m also being impersonated in AI-compiled email scams that also target writers. I get spammed with these scams, too, purporting to be opportunities from book clubs, Goodreads list curators, and even radio stations.
My website lists my real, active social media accounts. If you see a suspicious Beth Cato out there, hey, let me know. Do the same for other authors, too.
Thanks. I hope I don’t have to do another post like this soon, but well…
Read MoreImpersonated by a Scammer
In recent months, most writers I know have had to contend with regular AI-written emails purporting to come from book clubs or Goodreads list curators or even radio stations. A new version I learned about this week is a fake invite to a genre conventions; when the writer expresses interest, of course, a fee is mentioned.
Well, I found out yesterday that someone–likely heading a spam bot army–is impersonating me.
I’m horrified. The people who are most likely to fall for these scams are new writers, eager for any kind of “in” to the industry. To think that someone in that position could be taken advantage of, in my name… ugh ugh ugh.
I’m mystified as to why the spammers even picked me. I’ve seen friends mention being “contacted” by Margaret Atwood, Donna Tart, and other big name, more literary authors that even non-readers might recognize. I am definitely not of that ilk, and yet, here we are. Goes to show that no one is safe.
I’ll say straight up: if you get an email from a “Beth Cato” out of the blue, it’s probably not me. I’m under a horrible deadline strain right now. I don’t even have time to do blog posts, but I had to make time for this one. (My Bready or Not posts are set up months in advance right now, for my sanity’s sake.) If you get a suspicious email, report it as spam and block it. Please. And do the same for any other spam of this nature. Warn other people about these scams, too, especially writers who are just starting out.
My Blue Sky post on this topic has gone viral. If you’re also on there, please share it as well. Awareness increases safety… and if the spammers stop getting business, they’ll eventually give up. I hope.
Be careful out there.
Read MorePOSTPONED: Signing in Duluth
I’m very sad to announce that my author signing at the Bookstore at Fitger’s in Duluth, originally set for April 4th, needs to be rescheduled. Winter is not going away without a fight, alas. I’ll post again once we have a new date!
In the meantime, hey, they already have my books in stock, so if you’re in Duluth, please pop in and show support by buying a book or five! The image below is from their Instagram; they are well worth a follow.
Duluth! Book Signing on April 4th
Northern Minnesota/Wisconsin folks! So long as I am not held back by weather or disaster (or disastrous weather), I’ll be signing at the Bookstore at Fitger’s on Saturday April 4th from Noon to 2pm. I’m very excited about this. Come by and say hi! Let’s talk cheese and cats and books.
Worldcon in Seattle!
If all is going according to plan (knock on wood), I’m arriving in Seattle today to begin my time at Worldcon. Check my social media for the latest.
Worldcon Seattle next week!
I’m traveling to Seattle next week to attend Worldcon August 14 through 16th. My schedule is jam-packed, with loads of volunteering on Friday and then panels on Saturday. Find me early on while I still have cookies, and you can get a wrapped cookie AND a special “I ate Beth Cato’s cookies” badge ribbon. I’ll be wearing a black mask in crowds.
Follow me on social media for updates throughout the con! (The links are on the right side of this very page if you’re on the web version.)
