Podcast Scam Targets Creators

While this strays from our typical content here at Creator Post, we find it imperative to share that there is a podcast scam going around right now that targets creators and tricks them into sharing admin access to their Facebook pages. 

It’s come to our attention that these scammers are often misrepresenting themselves as being affiliated with Jellysmack or other high-profile creator agencies/management firms. 

Here’s how the scam works 

According to people who have been targeted and those who have shared their experience online, the podcast scam goes something like this: A scammer reaches out to a creator via email claiming to be a manager/producer of a well-known podcast and asking to book the creator for a guest appearance. 

Often the scammer says the appearance will be paid (usually a few thousand dollars) and may claim that it is sponsored by a large company.  

Before the podcast recording, the scammer will invite the creator to a virtual meeting to work out logistics. During this meeting, the scammer has their camera off and may have a Jellysmack or another digital company logo as the background. 

The scammer explains that the podcast will be done on Facebook Live and there are a few permissions that need to be in place in order for it to work. The creator will be asked to share their screen while the scammer walks them through the permissions to grant them access to their page as an admin.  

All of this may seem reasonable and legitimate in the moment, but these steps allow the scammer to take control of the creator’s Facebook page. Once admin access is granted, the scammer can lock the creator out of their account, delete all their content, and access any monetization payouts. 

Even the savviest of creators have unknowingly fallen for this podcast scam and are left with few options to resume control of their pages. The scammers are knowledgeable, write professional emails, and make everything seem very legitimate. 

What can you do?

If you are approached to do a guest appearance on a podcast and you think it may be a scam, trust your gut. Do not give anyone access to your platform backend, even via screen sharing, unless you are absolutely sure it is a legitimate request. 

We realize this can be tricky to navigate because there are legitimate requests from legitimate companies (including Jellysmack) that involve granting admin or backend access to creator pages. For example, when a creator joins the Jellysmack Creator Program, there are certain platform permissions that need to be granted to us. However, this happens during our official onboarding process and after contracts have been signed. It’s much different than requesting access during an initial call with someone you have not verified.

Things to keep in mind: 

• Jellysmack does not offer a podcast booking service
• All official Jellysmack employees will use a jellysmack.com email address. Any other derivative is not us!
• If you’re a Jellysmack creator partner and you’re unsure about an inquiry you received, please reach out to your Account Manager ASAP so we can help
• If you’re not a Jellysmack creator partner but you’ve been contacted by someone claiming to be from Jellysmack and you’re unsure if it’s legitimate, feel free to reach out to hello@jellysmack.com so we can help verify. Please use the term VERIFY JELLYSMACK CONTACT in the subject line and give us a few days to respond. 

Creators are some of the hardest working, creative, and talented professionals out there. Our mission is to help creators grow beyond what they thought possible, and we are saddened that creators are having their hard work ripped away by this podcast scam, especially when the Jellysmack name is being used as a tactic to gain trust. 

Stay aware and spread the word to fellow creators that this is happening. The more awareness we raise, the fewer targets these scammers will have.