It seems that the internet scams will never cease until they get serious about stopping them.
Lately I have been getting a lot of friend requests on Goodreads. That in itself is okay, but one still has to be careful. I started receiving emails from someone going by the name of Kevin Masters who claimed to be a surgeon. I thought he was one of these new friends. He sounded like he needed a friend being as he claimed his wife left him for his best friend. Feeling sorry for him I responded to his short emails. But then I became suspicious.
He started questioning me for information and pictures of myself. At first I thought his grammar errors were due to stress or just carelessness, you know, like somebody who doesn't bother to proofread their email or text before hitting 'send.' But finally one message became really confusing. So I asked just what he was asking. When I started reading his reply and got to the point where he mention "Amazon Gift Cards" I had enough. I told him not to email me again and that I was reporting it.
A few words of warning:
Beware of a stranger referring to you as 'my friend' or 'dear friend.'
Beware of strangers asking you about yourself.
Beware of strangers asking for help (online).
Beware of strangers praising you, such as for having a big heart.
As soon as they mention Amazon Gift cards know it is a scam. And I might as well add beware of official looking emails from such things as Paypal that comes by email. I have been getting these even though I don't use it.
Due to my experience with 'Kevin,' I won't be accepting any new Goodreads 'friends' that I don't know already.
Beware people.