The Book Marketing Scammer Who Accused Me Of Scamming Him!

A Literal Literary Loser is Accused

Mar 19, 2025

If you’re a regular reader of this Substack, then you’re familiar with my book scammer chats. Here are some particular favorites:

But just when I thought I’d seen it all, I had the following exchange with one Anthony Ratcliffe. It started with the usual “Hello Great Author” and “Have you considered marketing your great book?” Since we’ve all been approached in such a manner, I’ll skip the preliminaries and jump straight into the weird stuff. I know it’s why you keep coming back!

Alina Adams: Did you know there were liars on the internet?

Anthony Ratcliffe: Unfortunately, the internet is filled with individuals who exploit opportunities for personal gain rather than delivering on their promises. Scammers operate with clear objectives, preying on trust and vulnerability.

AA: Yes, I knew you would understand.

AR: I hope you haven’t been taken advantage of too severely.

AA: Oh, so many people have stolen my money and, even worse, broken my heart.

AR: I’m really sorry to hear that. It’s painful to experience both financial loss and emotional betrayal. Unfortunately, there are many dishonest people out there.

AA: You will need to prove to me that you are honest and not like every other thief on the internet. Are you ready to do that?

AR: Yes. Sure.

AA: Great. Here is what you can do to prove you are on the up and up. Buy my books, read them, tell me what you thought of them, and then I'll believe you're a good book marketer.

AR: Okay. Where did you publish your books?

AA: They're all on Amazon. Go buy them and let me know what you think.

AR: Send me your link

AA: My pen name is Alina Adams, you should have no trouble finding my books. See: https://www.historythroughfiction.com/go-on-pretending

AR: Are you a publisher?

AA: No

AR: But the link you shared showing you're a publisher.

Missed audio call

AR: Pick the call, so you can know that I'm not a scam. Can you pick up the call. For better discussions

AA: Of course not, don't be silly. I don't talk to strangers on the internet, I'm not stupid

AR: This show you're a scam. And I'm going to take it seriously

Missed audio call

AR: Fuck you.

(After that delightfully professional and business appropriate exchange, I posted the following on my Facebook page: Oooh, fun fact, my fellow authors: Anthony Ratcliffe, when I refused to answer FB his call so we could discuss the wonderful book promotion services he could offer me, told me, "F%ck you." He is SO professional! Everyone should run out and use his services immediately! In response, the totally legitimate Mr. Ratcliffe replied: Alina Sivorinovsky Wickham is a scam, this is not the real Page of Alina Adam. Pls don't be a victim, because she's forcing me to purchase the book from unreal link https://www.historythroughfiction.com/go-on-pretending. Pls stay safe from this page, because she's just tarnishing the Goodwill of people after they refused to buy from the link. If you want to prove me wrong, just check on this profile to know the real Page of Alina Adam https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057513186173 Pls be safe from Alina Sivorinovsky Wickham she's not real.)

AA: You are so professional!

AR: Thanks. But you look as a scam. To be honest.

AA: Then you should definitely not work with me, since I am a scam!

AR: Okay, how can you prove me wrong. Because my time is the most important part to me. Because I would never waste my time on something that is not real. I'm confidently saying that you're a scam

Missed audio call

AA: So I am a scam and you would waste no time on me, yet you are calling me again? Some would call that a waste of time.

AR: What has been your biggest achievement so far in the Journey

AA: Exposing scammers.

AR: But you're also a scammer. Prove me wrong

AA: I guess I can't. Oh, well.

AR: Even I will make sure I take it seriously. You're guessing that you're not a scammer. Are not sure of yourself. I will make sure I take everything seriously on you. Because you're a scammer

AA: You are so good at your job!

AR: So other people won't be a victim

AA: Thanks so much for sharing my link. That was so nice of you!

AR: I'm not sharing your link. I'm just showing others, so they won't be a victim. And I will also take it more seriously than this

AA: Please do, I appreciate the publicity!!

Mr. Ratcliffe was the first to call so aggressively. Usually, I get asked to chat on WhatsApp or for me to call them. He’s the first to call me directly. More than once. And the part where he tells me I’ll have to prove myself to him is a nice psychological touch. Put me on the defensive, question my legitimacy, and I’ll be begging him to take me on as a client. Presumably.

Or maybe I’m just giving “him” — or the person who programmed the bot too much credit. What do you think?