1. "BIG GUEST WANTS TO PAY YOU"
There’s a scam going around where a "big-name guest" offers to pay you $$$ to appear on your podcast. Sounds amazing, right? Wrong. That’s not one but two big red flags.
In one case, the podcaster noticed they even spelled her name wrong (strike three). Once they get you on a Zoom call, they ask you to share your screen—and that’s when they steal access to your Facebook account.
Lesson: A legitimate host is going to pay to be on your giant show, especially with sloppy communication like this.
2. "I WILL MAKE YOU #1 ON APPLE"
If you mention "podcaster" on your LinkedIn profile, you’ve probably been swarmed by offers promising to make your show #1 on Apple Podcasts.
Here’s how it works: You pay them to promote your show. Then, when you say, "Thanks, I’m done," they threaten you with negative reviews unless you keep paying.
Lesson: No one can "guarantee" you the top spot on Apple. These scammers exploit your desire to succeed, and their tactics could end up hurting your reputation.
A Final Word
My high school teacher used to say, "If there was a way to cheat and not get caught, someone would’ve figured it out by now." Scammers prey on our emotions—our desire to be seen, to earn money, and to hit the top. That excitement can cloud our judgment.
As the saying goes: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
