Victim Location 08512
Total money lost $140.45
Type of a scam Online Purchase
I purchased a "pro package" book review for a book that I had written (in the name of my pen name "*** * ***"), from a provider called Indie Book Reviewers. I had seen a couple of positive reviews on the internet and hence reached out to them.
They were prompt in response – of course, till I paid the money. I was promised to get my book reviewed within a few weeks. This was back in April. In fact, I made the payment on Apr 2, 2019. After that, in spite of multiple follow-ups after the 2-3 weeks that they said they will get back in, over email and on their website, there has been no response from them till date. They have not provided a phone number or any other information (unfortunately).
Here is the email that they had sent, after which I paid them through PayPal (receipt attached).
Hello ***,
Thank you for contacting us, and I am happy to arrange the Pro Package #2 for your novel "** *** *** ** *** *** ***". We have highly-qualified professional reviewers in several genres, including fictional bio/memoirs, historical fiction, literary fiction and multi-cultural fiction and nonfiction. The readers we select for your book project will all 1) Express a strong interest in your book based on the summary, opening sample, and other reader reviews, 2) have the ability to thoroughly read/review and critique your novel in a timely manner, and 3) have all been doing book reviews professionally for at least 7 years. In our pro-reviewer group, we have a former literary agent and Jr. agent, professional editor, several best-selling authors, and educated, widely-read and voracious readers whose viewpoints and insights have proven to be the most influential over the past decade or so.
The Pro Package #2 comes with 3 professional reviews and 1 (2-3) page critique from the highest -ranking reviewer in your chosen group. The reviews will be done within 2 weeks and cost $135.00. There is a $5.45 PayPal fee for a total of $140.45 if you send the digital files to the reviewers (PDF, Mobi, or Word.Doc preferred). If you would prefer they purchase the book directly from Amazon, then please add on an additional $17.97 for a total of $158.42.
Please let me know if you have any further questions on anything. I will send the invoice to you directly via PayPal if you would like us to begin.
Regards,
Alex King
www.IndieBookReviewers.com