A man who dreams of becoming a writer was overjoyed when he was contacted by an agent offering him deals to publish his work – until he lost his life savings, worth almost £13,000. Dave Gregson, from West Yorkshire, is unable to work because he is the primary carer for his elderly parents.
In his spare time, he writes short stories and children’s books, some of which have been published online. When a literary agent contacted him, he was overjoyed.
He received a call from a man who introduced himself as “Bruce” from a company called “Great Writers Media.” “Bruce” told him that his colleagues loved his books, a children’s fairy tale and a series of short stories, some of which he had heard from his father, and sent him contracts to sign. Bruce also told him that the books had been approved by the company’s editorial staff and recommended for publication in several media outlets.
Dave said, “I have enjoyed writing for many years and have had a vivid imagination since I was a child.” As the weeks went by, Dave received emails from Great Writers Media telling him that his books were selling well but that he would need to contribute to the costs of book fairs, marketing and editing.
He was told that his book had been accepted for a film script and a radio interview and that it would be a good investment for his future. For two years Dave continued to pay in, giving the scammers his entire savings in instalments, totalling £12,674. But when he continued to make payments by direct debit and bank transfer and carefully kept his receipts, he received nothing back, Dave became suspicious and stopped making payments.
After several phone calls and online research, he realised he had been scammed and that the accounts he had paid belonged to bogus companies. “It turned out the literary agent was an imposter – and I had fallen victim to a scam that had been going on since Covid. The scammers used false identities, contact details and contracts. I was devastated and filled with shame and guilt. It was a sickening and sad feeling, as it is for other scam victims, knowing that the money I cannot afford to lose has gone to fund crime when it should be there for me to care for and spend on those I care about.” Such criminals are particularly dangerous to anyone and everyone, and especially to the most vulnerable in our community and society.
This is because they disguise themselves as friends or ‘trusted sources’ and, just like sex offenders or scammers, they exploit others for their own gain with no regard for their victims or the devastation they leave behind.” Dave has spent two years trying to get his money back or receive compensation.
He received £2,000 from his bank but was unable to repay the balance. He adds: “Fraudsters like these are particularly adept at deceiving and manipulating, which makes them particularly dangerous to everyone in society, with the most vulnerable in society at particularly high risk.”
“I hope that this story will also help others, people who have become victims of crime through no fault of their own and who should not have to bear the costs themselves.”
