Hey guys, a few days ago I received a PM from a newly created account whose username is just a series of numbers.
Sketchy sign #1.
The message began "This is Rebecca, a representative editor from Ringdom." No last name offered, or any real explanation of what the heck Ringdom is. Sketchy sign #2 and 3.
Rebecca went on to say a colleague read my story--no mention of which one, and in fact, my name was never mentioned in the message either, giving the whole thing a copy/paste, mass message, spammy feel. Sketchy sign #4.
But Rebecca said someone read my story and recommended it for their platform. She writes: "I send this message to ask whether you are willing to distribute your work on our platform. We will PAY for this and the benefits should be generous. Besides, we will be devoted to getting your work more exposures and global promotion through all sorts of events!"
I googled Rindgom Story, and at first came up with no results at all. Sketchy sign #5 through 1000. Eventually I found a small reading app on the Google App store called Ringdom, so at least something with the same name exists. Whether or not Rebecca Nolastname is actually affiliated with them is unknown.
Anyway, I'm just wondering if anyone else has received a message like this, and whether it's something I should ignore, report, or respond to. My gut says this is a scheme of some sort, but I suppose it could be legit, if unprofessional.