Protecting Against Author Scams

Protection Against Author Scams

Protecting Yourself Against Scams

We at Waterstones are aware of a number of scams aimed at authors which attempt to exploit our name. Generally these involve a request for payment for items to be published, or other related items such as insurance or placement within our stores.

We recommend the following in order to help protect you, and aid us in tackling this:

Fake Internet Domains and Websites

Please make sure the website is legitimate. We do not have multiple website addresses: www.waterstones.com will always be the correct domain. Scammers will try to make their communications look like they’ve come from Waterstones. Keep an eye out for website and email addresses that add .uk, .store or other elements to the address above. These are not us.

Email addresses from members of staff at Waterstones will end in @waterstones.com

False Urgency

Be vigilant of urgent, time-limited requests for payment or personal data. Do not let the urgency of an offer make you act hastily and without checking the website address first.

Personal Information and Payment

We will never ask for your personal information or financial details via email. We will never ask you for payment for insurance, placement in shops or any other activity.

If you have any queries about the legitimacy of an email you’ve received, please contact [email protected].