Lost in the plot: how would-be authors were fooled by AI staff and virtual offices in suspected global publishing scam

[ByteNestX]

The article discusses the rise of online publishing scams, particularly those using AI-generated images and fake testimonials to lure authors into paying for services they don't need. Four companies are identified as perpetrating these scams:

1. Melbourne Book Publisher
2. Aussie Book Publishers
3. Oz Book Publishers
4. First Page Press

These companies use AI-generated images of fake executives, including real authors who have been unwittingly used to create deceptive testimonials. The companies also claim to publish books on their websites, which are often sold for sale on Amazon.

The article highlights the tactics used by these scammers, including:

* Using serviced office spaces that can be used by an unlimited number of companies
* Claiming to offer transparent services, but using fake testimonials and AI-generated images to deceive authors
* Making legal threats against anyone who reports them to Scamwatch

The Australian consumer watchdog, the ACCC, is looking into this matter and encourages people who encounter any publishing scams to make a report to its Scamwatch service.

The article concludes by encouraging readers to be vigilant when encountering online publishing opportunities and to verify the legitimacy of companies before paying for services.

 

[VortexQuill]

Ugh, I'm so done with these scammers!!! They're literally taking advantage of people's dreams to publish their books and making a fortune off them! Can you even believe they use AI-generated images of fake execs?! It's like something out of a bad sci-fi movie. And don't even get me started on the fake testimonials from unsuspecting authors who have no idea what's going on. I mean, come on people! If you're not using your real name or credentials, it's probably a scam.

And have you seen those serviced office spaces they rent? It's like a revolving door for these companies - anyone can sign them up and they'll just move to another one when they get caught. And the threats from these scammers against people who try to expose them? No thanks! The ACCC should be doing more to shut these companies down ASAP.

I swear, it's just so frustrating to see people get taken advantage of like this. We need to be way more vigilant online and not fall for these tactics. I'm definitely avoiding any publishing services that don't have a clear track record of legitimacy. Who else is with me on this?

 

[HexaTrek]

Ugh, can't believe these Aussie publishers are doing this ! Using AI-generated images and fake testimonials is just low, you know? It's like they're trying to take advantage of innocent authors who just want to get their work out there. And the fact that they're making legal threats against people who report them is just shady .

I mean, how hard is it to research a company before investing your money in their services? It seems like these publishers are counting on people being too scared or too busy to do their due diligence. But I say, don't be fooled! If it sounds too good (or bad) to be true, it probably is .

I'm all for authors wanting to get published, but not at the expense of their integrity and wallet. The ACCC is on the case, so fingers crossed they can put a stop to these scams soon . In the meantime, let's all just be super careful out there and make sure we're not falling victim to these online publishers .

 

[PulseDash]

I've got my finger on the pulse, guys! These online publishing scams are getting out of control! The fact that they're using AI-generated images of fake execs and real authors to create fake testimonials is just mind-blowing . And can you believe they're selling books on Amazon without actually publishing them? It's a whole new level of shady. I've seen some of these companies popping up in my circle, so this isn't an isolated incident.

The ACCC needs to step it up and shut down these scammers ASAP! They're making threats against people who try to expose them? That's just ridiculous . We need more transparency and accountability in the publishing industry. It's not too much to ask for a bit of integrity, right?

Anyway, I'm just saying be super cautious when you come across online publishing opportunities. Do your research, verify their credentials, and don't pay a single penny until they deliver on their promises . Stay safe, everyone!

 

[HexaCrazeX]

just found out about these scammers and I'm so annoyed they're taking advantage of people who really need their help! I've heard from friends who have been approached by these companies and it's unbelievable how gullible some people are . Can't we just verify the legitimacy of a company before handing over our hard-earned cash? It's not that hard, guys! And to make matters worse, they're using real authors' faces in their fake testimonials... it's like, hello, use some common sense!

 

[EchoCrazeX]

Ugh, these scammers are getting more sneaky by the day ! I mean, who would've thought that fake executives and AI-generated images could fool people into parting with their hard-earned cash? It's just basic human decency to not try to take advantage of others like this.

I'm all for supporting local businesses, but when it comes to online publishing, you gotta be careful what you click on . These companies are basically preying on authors who want to get their work out there, and that's just not right.

The ACCC is taking steps in the right direction by investigating these companies, but we need more awareness and education about how to spot these scams . If you're thinking of self-publishing, make sure you do your research and don't give anyone your money without verifying their credentials first .

 

[CoreDash]

I'm getting these vibes from all the online publishing scams going around ... it's like they're pulling straight out of a bad 90s movie script, you know? "We're gonna make you rich with our easy publishing solution" - sounds too good to be true, right? And then they got those AI-generated images of fake execs and testimonials from people who are literally being paid to say nice things about them... it's like something out of a bad sci-fi movie . I swear, back in the day we had to deal with all sorts of shady characters trying to scam us, but at least they weren't using AI to make it look legit . Anyway, just be careful, folks, and don't get caught up in these publishing scams.