So, you’ve set your sights on the enthralling realm of voice acting and narrating books – a fantastic choice! As you embark on this journey, you’re likely aware of the industry’s exponential growth. It’s true; there’s a myriad of individuals delving into voice acting, but the diversity is what keeps the field vibrant, and your unique voice might just be the one someone is searching for.

On the flip side, you might find yourself on the author’s side of the spectrum. Unable to find a narrator who fits your vision (or budget), you decide to take matters into your own hands. You invest in a microphone, dive into narrating your book, and to your pleasant surprise – people love it! The positive feedback triggers a revelation – why not extend your narration skills to others? It’s a fantastic prospect born out of the confidence gained from an unexpectedly successful endeavor.

With this newfound enthusiasm, you’re drawn to an ad on a social media platform. An open call for narrators beckons, and the promised compensation aligns seamlessly with your expectations. Yet, there’s a twist – no upfront information, just a mysterious directive to DM for details.

In this case, hit pause.

A new scam is making its rounds, specifically targeting inexperienced narrators. I found myself perilously close to falling victim to this scheme over the New Year’s weekend. After investing hours recording a book, I discovered I was entangled in a potential fraud.

The scam unfurls when it’s time for payment. They insist you open an account with their designated “payment provider,” often a US bank. As a Canadian, but still familiar with US banking practices, this raised my suspicions. A swift Google search confirmed my doubts – the bank they mentioned had been absorbed by Wells Fargo in 2008.

Drawing on my experience as a fraud analyst, I saw through their ploy. Instead of opening an account, I shared only essential information using a secure deposit-only account. The following day, they demanded $250 USD for supposed taxes – a classic scam move.

Let this experience be a stark reminder to question unusual requests, especially those involving personal information or money. As you navigate the promising landscape of voice acting or freelancing, stay vigilant. While countless opportunities await, a cautious approach safeguards your time and integrity, ensuring you don’t fall prey to scams in this dynamic and exciting field.

In other news, if anyone needs a professionally narrated audiobook of The Great Gatsby, I just finished recording it this weekend.