Authors have reported a surge of AI‑generated scams originating in Nigeria that use personalized emails to solicit payments for fake book club features, private review services, and marketing assistance.

Since June 2025, writers have received unsolicited messages offering fees ranging from $55 to $350 for appearances in nonexistent book clubs or for participation in private review groups.

Two distinct iterations have been identified. In the past two weeks, nearly two dozen writers have received emails claiming to represent local book clubs. Some clubs were fictional with no online presence; others were real clubs whose names were used without permission, as confirmed by a representative of Mocha Girls Read. Scammers described fees as spot fees, spotlight fees, or participation fees, with amounts reported from $55 to $350 and package options priced between $100 and $200. Payment instructions included PayPal friends and family, bank transfers, and Upwork contracts issued by third‑party vendors such as Olaleye Abdulhammed. Wells Fargo bank transfer details were also provided.

A second wave of scams offered private review groups that promised tips of $20 to $30 per reviewer. Authors were required to purchase a minimum of 30 to 50 reviewers. One solicitation asked for a $25 fee for 30 readers. Payment was to be made via a contract sent by a payment manager, often based in Nigeria. The solicitation included extensive personalization and emojis. Author T. Kingfisher confirmed that a false review was attributed to her name.

Scams previously originated mainly in the United States and Canada, but recent reports show Nigeria, the Philippines, and Pakistan as primary sources. The book club scam appeared in September 2025, the private review group scam in August, and basic PR scams in June. The rapid increase in spam volume may cause recipients to become suspicious. Over‑the‑top flattery and repetitive language have reduced the credibility of the messages.

Scammers now request bank transfers to Nigerian accounts, payments through PayPal friends and family, Zelle, Cash App, and Wise. These methods are difficult or impossible to reverse compared with credit card payments. Invoices from Upwork, Payoneer, and Coachli remain available but are used less frequently. The blog writer has collected extensive payment information but has not confirmed any payments made by victims.

Awareness of these tactics remains the primary defense, and the prevalence of the scams continues to be tracked as new variations emerge.