Glad to help. It sounds almost legit, but the warning signs are there.

Also, if you get a weird vibe, trust your gut.

Hey – I just got the same email. I was about to start work but also got a weird vibe. I’ve been emailing and I sent a contract. He’s offering to send a cashier’s check and doesn’t have Paypal. Sounds like this is a scam – I was hoping it was just someone who really likes their privacy but thanks for the intel. I’ll send a cancellation email and move on. Thank you!

Philip, thanks for sharing your experience. I love that you pressed forward and pumped him for info.

I agree that he makes it sound compelling. A few problems he has:

–His name keeps changing.
–He’s asking for bank info.
–He’s not saying how he, a dude with a speech issue, is in charge of a workshop where speaking is probably necessary. Why not just sell the book? Sheesh.

Thanks for this. I feel almost connected to this guy, he’s so familiar by now!

Hello,

I’m Michael, An academic consultant. I have a speech distorting condition called Apraxia. I got your contact details online and I need your service. Can you write an article on a specific topic
for an upcoming workshop? The article is to be given as a handbook to the attendees of the workshop. I have a title for the article and have drafted an outline to guide you. Please get back to me for more information.

Regards

—

I actually followed up with:

Jim,

Thanks for reaching out. Please send more details—including the outline itself—and if I can help you I certainly will.

—
and got back:

I require your service to write an article on the topic “Social Media : The Benefits and Risks”. It has to be something like 2,000-2,500 words at 1.5$ per word. You are responsible for finding the appropriate materials to write This article. The article should be delivered in PDF format with no graphics features. That should not be a problem as there are materials on this subject matter. Please note that I do not want a particular tone or texture, I just want the article to be informative enough for my attendees. The delivery date for the submission of the article is 6 weeks from the date of our agreement. This are the outline of the essay:

1. Social Media : Introduction
2. Impact of Social Media
2.1 Positive impacts of Social Media
2.2 Negative impacts of Social Media
3. Social Media and bullying
4. Social Networking Catfishing
5. Mitigating the negative effects of Social Media
6. Conclusion

Finally, what would be your preferred mode of payment? Though I’m proposing a certified bank draft, a cashier’s check or bank certified check., I look forward to reading from you soon and the due date is September 30.
Stay safe.
—–

I have to admit he almost had me, but I still had enough of a still, small voice in my head saying, “Yeah… no…” and here we are.