Motivational Press

Victim Location 94102

Type of a scam Counterfeit Product

This scam is difficult for me to describe, because I had no idea about it before I became a target for victimization. Essentially, the representative from Motivational Press played the part of someone who was interested in publishing a book. This included various things that appeared to be valid publishing material. Gradually, over time, it became apparent that they had no interest in publishing the book and only wanted to get money from the author as well as get the author to divulge personal information, including contacts.

Originally, the author was working with an agent who connected him to the publisher. As communicated by the agent, the marketing onus would be on the publisher, but the publisher did not seem to be interested in doing much work at all, other than asking for money for additional services like lectures that authors could attend to become more successful.

Although, in this case, the author did not fall for the money scam, his book, which was promised to be published in a short 90 days has been delayed for 4 months, despite many people being interested in its publishing date. Most recently, they realized that they would not be able to gouge the author for money, so they backed out of the deal. Despite there being a necessary monetary payment for doing so, Motivational Press has not offered it.