I shared this with my newsletter subscribers and thought the information is wise to share here. Be careful!

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There seems to be an increase of social media creeps leading others on through direct messaging. They often go through author followers and target readers. Be aware!

1. I rarely follow “random” men on social media. They might follow me, but we are NOT friends, no matter what they tell you.

2. Social media creeps often use stolen images/names to pretend they are someone they are not. Many pretend to be US military/engineers/doctors. Their username doesn’t match up. If in doubt, don’t return the follow or DM. If their spelling/grammar is extremely poor, chances are they are not legitimate readers. Legitimate readers won’t direct message other readers.

3. Look at who they follow. If they are a male direct messaging you and all their followers are females, be discerning.

4. Never give out money or personal information. I don’t know of any author who would ask for money unless it was for charity, and they would not do it secondhand via direct messaging. If you are approached and my name is used, don’t engage. Just ignore them. I care about your safety and as a general practice, I don’t respond to any DM’s, female or male. Need to reach me? Email me at juliearduini@juliearduini.com or tag me on a social media post. You can find my true accounts on Link Tree.