If you believe you are a victim of the PageTurner scam, please contact the FBI at AuthorFraud@fbi.gov.
SCAM ALERT: Authors are reporting calls from “US Literary Law Firm” offering “representation” for PageTurner victims for a fee of $1,200. This offer is fraudulent: there is no such law firm.
This is a developing story, with frequent updates (at the bottom of this post). Check back often.
My first post of the new year is usually my annual look back at the year just past–but you’ll have to wait till next week for that one. This news is too good not to share right away:
The CEO and VP of one of the worst publishing scams of the past few years have been arrested in California.
Some background. The scam in question is PageTurner Press and Media, one of the biggest and most brazen of the vast array of publishing/marketing/fake literary agency/impersonation scams operating out of the Philippines.
Since 2018, Writer Beware has received hundreds of reports and complaints about PageTurner: aggressive phone and email solicitations for exorbitantly-priced publishing and marketing services; creation of fake organizations to add an appearance of legitimacy to these solicitations; poor quality services and failure to deliver; false promises of “endorsement” to traditional publishers and film companies; prolific impersonation of literary agents, publishers, and production companies/executives with “offers” requiring large upfront payments; forged documents, including acceptance letters and contracts bearing the names and logos of well-known publishers and movie studios; and at least two bogus film companies demanding enormous fees for fake film deals.
PageTurner operates as a type of pig butchering scam (where victims are tricked into handing over their assets via escalating demands for money). The most elaborate of its schemes involve multiple false identities and company names, with victims handed around between them. Most writers I’ve heard from were fleeced to the tune of low- to mid-four figures, but many lost substantially more–tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands in some cases. The largest payout I know of was extracted from an author who was recruited to buy costly re-publishing packages, then pressured into paying for hugely expensive marketing schemes, and ultimately targeted by one of PageTurner’s fake film companies and convinced to purchase a screenplay, treatment, PR campaign, and more, all for eye-popping amounts of money. All told, this author lost in excess of $600,000.
You can see defrauded authors’ accounts of their experiences at PissedConsumer.com, where PageTurner has dozens of one-star reviews. There used to be plenty of complaints at the BBB as well, but probably thanks to the events described below, PageTurner’s BBB listing now indicates that its business profile is being “updated”.
Like other frauds of this type, PageTurner operates in the Philippines under a different name: Innocentrix Philippines, which serves as an umbrella group for a bumper crop of scams in addition to PageTurner (you can see them here). Innocentrix presents blandly as an outsourcing and IT company, with a slick website that touts its expertise and charitable endeavors. Founder and CEO Michael Cris Traya Sordilla, aka Mike Sordilla, is quite the mogul; his portfolio includes not just Innocentrix but the MCS Group of Companies: a construction company, a media studio, and a resort. He’s also chair of an annual beauty pageant, where he’s described as “a respected philanthropist, businessman, and socialite.”
Fleecing authors pays, clearly. Sometimes, though, it pays back.
On December 9, 2024, Sordilla was arrested in California, along with Innocentrix VP Bryan Navales Tarosa (who, like many individuals involved in these scams, started his career as a sales rep for Author Solutions). Sordilla and Tarosa are both residents of the Philippines, but were visiting the USA at the time.
One day later, authorities arrested Gemma Traya Austin, a US resident and PageTurner’s registered agent, who according to an August indictment in the US Court of the Southern District of California of all three individuals on charges of mail and wire fraud, was responsible for PageTurner’s US bank accounts. (These have been seized; they reportedly contained nearly $5 million.)
All three are obvious flight risks, and are being detained pending trial.
The court docket also links to two complaints signed by an FBI Special Agent, one naming Austin as defendant, on one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering (though the docket indicates a second count of wire fraud), and the other naming Sordilla and Tarosa on one count of wire and mail fraud (with an additional count of conspiracy to commit money laundering noted on the docket). If convicted, the defendants face incarceration, and must “forfeit to the United States of America all their rights, title, and interest, in any property, real and personal, constituting and derived from proceeds traceable to such offenses, and any property, real and personal, involved the offense and any property traceable to such property”, which in Austin’s case includes not just bank accounts, but a property in Chula Vista.
The complaints lay out the elements of the government’s case, including allegations that between 2018 and 2024 Austin “laundered over $44 million dollars and received approximately $8.8 million as her fee” (see pages 24-27 of the Austin complaint; the amounts cited are just wild). Detailed descriptions of victims’ reports are also provided, including some of the aliases allegedly used by PageTurner sales reps and the “social engineering techniques” they allegedly employed to draw writers ever deeper into the scheme (many of them familiar to me from complaints I’ve received; I’m also pretty sure I know who one of the victims is, based on the details of their case). All of the cited victims are elderly. While there’s definitely a major element of elder fraud not just with PageTurner, but all Philippine scams, senior citizens are far from their only focus: Writer Beware has received complaints from writers of all ages and all walks of life, including the kinds of highly-educated, successful professionals who are popularly supposed to be too smart to be scammed.
Not surprisingly, PageTurner’s website has vanished, but you can see how it looked in September courtesy of the Wayback Machine. Innocentrix is still live, as is the MCS Group–but one wonders how long they will survive with their CEO and VP in jail.
What’s next? The court docket doesn’t indicate any pending hearings, but I’ll be keeping a close eye on things and updating this post with new developments. It’s Case 3:24-cr-02712 in the Southern District of California, if you want to look it up. (UPDATE 1/8/25: As of January 7, the case has been transferred to a new judge, with a new case number: 3:24-cr-2712.)
As one of the biggest of the Philippine fraud schemes, PageTurner/Innocentrix is probably something of an outlier in the staggering amounts of cash it was able to generate. But there other biggies–Bridgebooks, with its stable of fake literary agencies and marketing companies, and Editors Press and Media, a major impersonation specialist, just to name a couple–along with scores of smaller ventures, all of them drawing from the same playbook, employing the same unscrupulous and predatory tactics to target and defraud writers.
Put them all together, and they rake in probably of tens of millions of dollars every year. But because defrauded authors are reluctant to report to the authorities, and also thanks to the diffuse nature of this industry–so many different companies, frequently changing names to keep ahead of bad reviews (or exposes on this blog), doing business in every US state as well as Canada and the UK–they remain largely invisible to law enforcement. PageTurner is one of the few that I was tracking in 2018 that’s still around under its original name, and its longevity may have convinced Sordilla and Tarosa and Austin that they were safe. But PageTurner got too big, and too greedy. It ripped off too many people for too much money, and when you do that you’re going to generate noise, even with a victim pool that’s normally report-averse. And so it got caught–one stone that may bring down several birds, if, bereft of their leaders, Innocentrix and the other scams under its umbrella also fall.
Court documents reveal that the FBI has been investigating PageTurner since 2022, and that what spurred it to do so was authors’ complaints. This is why it’s so very important, if you suspect you’ve been scammed, always to report it–not just to the FBI and the Internet Crime Complaint Center and other national groups, but to local law enforcement, including Attorneys General. You can find reporting suggestions and links here.
You may feel like you’re just one person. It may seem that your complaint vanishes into the ether. But as PageTurner’s encounter with the US justice system shows, one complaint may do nothing–but multiple complaints can spark an investigation…and yield results.
And your complaint just might be the tipping point.
UPDATE 1/8/25: Some interesting stats. Thanks (I assume) to the attention I pay to the many scams issuing from the Philippines, the Philippines is usually my second or third largest source of traffic on this blog, though much less than the traffic from the USA (which is where the bulk of my traffic comes from). Here’s a snapshot of a typical week:
Now here’s traffic from this past week, starting the day I published this post:
And here are my views (light green) and visitors (dark green) from December 17 to today:
December is always a slow month, especially around Christmas and the week after, so this isn’t a totally accurate comparison–but you can see the enormous jump in visits on January 3 and after. In just a week, this post has become the fifth most viewed in the past 12 months.
Clearly there is major interest in the Philippines in the Sordilla case, which I suppose isn’t surprising given that Innocentrix is one of the most successful of the scam complexes, and Sordilla himself seems to have had a fairly high profile. I imagine there’s a fair degree of schadenfreude involved. As far as I know, there’s been no media coverage of it there, so everyone who is visiting is arriving via search (phrases including Sordilla, Innocentrix, and PageTurner have been among the top search terms this week) or word of mouth (I found out about it myself thanks to several comments left on posts here).
UPDATE 1/10/25: The fact that Sordilla and Tarosa are domestic partners is irrelevant to this case (really, to anything). Any comments that include gay-bashing will be deleted. I’ve deleted several already.
UPDATE 1/16/25: The Department of Justice has issued a press release about the case.
According to statements made by prosecutors in court, the FBI identified more than 800 victims of the scheme who collectively lost more than $44 million….
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
If you believe you are a victim of the PageTurner scam, please contact the FBI at AuthorFraud@fbi.gov.
UPDATE 1/20/25: The Manila Times has picked up the PageTurner story: Filipino beauty pageant chairman and BPO exec arrested in alleged book publishing scam. It’s behind a paywall, but you can see the headline and the first two paragraphs.
The Motion Hearing/Trial Setting date has been set for February 14, 2025. Happy Valentine’s Day.
UPDATE 1/22/25: The PageTurner website now looks like this:
More press coverage from the Philippines:
Hiyas ng Pilipinas chair indicted for book publishing scam in US
US authorities nab Cebu BPO execs for over $44M book publishing scam
Filipino BPO executives arrested in US for allegedly defrauding elderly authors of P2.57 billion
Cebu BPO executives arrested in US over alleged P2.5-B elderly authors fraud
UPDATE 2/1/25: The next hearing has been delayed until May 9, by request of both sides, thanks to the very large number of documents to be reviewed. You can see the order here.
UPDATE 2/12/25: I suppose it’s inevitable that scammers would come up with a way to monetize the fall of a rival scam.
Writer Beware is receiving reports of calls from “U.S. Literary Law Firm” offering “representation” to PageTurner victims for a fee of $1,200 (as a bonus, they’ll re-publish your book). To be clear, this is a fraud–not even an ambulance-chasing one, since there’s no evidence this law firm exists (no web site, .com domain registered just 97 days ago as of this writing). This probably won’t be the last such effort.
UPDATE 4/9/25: The hearing date has been pushed back to August 29, 2025, thanks to the Court’s finding that this is a complex case that requires additional time for discovery and preparation. From the US Attorney’s motion, which has been granted by the Court:
f. Pursuant to the Defendants’ agreement to adhere to the Protective Orders entered by this Court, the United States has been producing discovery to the defense on a rolling basis. The discovery is voluminous and includes numerous search and seizure warrant affidavits and related documents,
financial records, reports of interviews, email correspondence, business records, and phone downloads. The United States intends to produce additional discovery to the defense as it is compiled.g. The government alleges that in the course of the conspiracy, which spanned over several years, Defendants defrauded hundreds of individuals in a book publishing scam, and used multiple bank accounts to receive and launder victim proceeds. To date, the government has identified payments from approximately 800 individual potential victims, totaling approximately over $40 million, and the analysis is ongoing. Some of the victims sent funds in more than one transaction. Given the number of victims and transactions, numerous financial accounts, and the length of time, discovery is extensive.
h. This criminal case is therefore unusual and more complex than a typical criminal prosecution, and the partiers [sic] require additional time for the Defendants to review the discovery, and the parties to consider the charges and negotiate potential resolution.
i. Counsel for the Defendants represent that due to the voluminous discovery and the nature of the case, additional time is necessary to review the discovery and potential evidence in the case, confer with their clients, and conduct legal research.
UPDATE 4/12/25: A lawyer who apparently represents (or is a spokesperson for?) Mike Sordilla is mounting a PR offensive in the Philippines, claiming that it wasn’t Sordilla or Tarosa who scammed authors, but rogue sales agents with Innocentrix: “All the accusations that were stated in the (US Department of Justice) website and later carried by various news outlets were the actions of sales agents who acted without authority, acted beyond their authority, or accessed the IT infrastructure of Innocentrix without authorization,” the lawyer said. He also says that friends and family are lobbying President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and others to bring Sordilla and Tarosa home.
Other news articles confirm that Sordilla remains in detention in California. The lawyer, Oliver Barclay Jr., is not listed on the court docket as attorney of record for any of the defendants.
UPDATE 8/23/25: The pretrial motion hearing has been pushed from August 29 to November 14, thanks to the unusually large amount of discovery materials. You can see the continuance motion here.
UPDATE 11/26/25: Possibly as a result of the government shutdown, the motion hearing has been pushed back again, to December 12.
UPDATE 12/23/25: After a long period of silence, there’s been a flurry of activity in this case.
On November 28, Sordilla and Tarosa filed a motion to dismiss (which you can see here), basically arguing that PageTurner, a corporation registered in the USA, hired Innocentrix, a (supposedly) entirely separate corporation registered in the Philippines, to provide services for it, and since Sordilla’s and Tarosa’s names were associated only with Innocentrix, and there are documents stipulating that any litigation against Innocentrix must be conducted in the Philippines, they should be off the hook. By implication, this throws Gemma Traya Austin under the bus, since she’s the only defendant whose name is officially linked to PageTurner.
Included as exhibits are Innocentrix’s business registrations, as well as its agreements with PageTurner. See especially Exhibit D, which is basically a “how we propose to scam you” bullet point list that not only makes clear the intent to target US and Canadian writers, but also claims, laughably, that the American-sounding names used by Innocentrix phone reps calling on behalf of PageTurner were intended “to prevent discrimination and biases”.
The government’s response can be seen here.
On December 12, the government filed a superseding indictment (which can be seen here) adding Gemma Austin’s husband, Micheal Glenn Austin, to the list of defendants, and also adding WP Lighthouse LLP (the new business name Sordilla set up when things started to get hot for PageTurner and Innocentrix) to the list of businesses. A second property, with mineral rights, has been included in the list of forfeitures the defendants must make if convicted, along with two luxury vehicles, items of clothing and jewelry, and over $150,000 in cash and bank accounts (in addition to the nearly $6 million already seized).
Micheal Austin pleaded Not Guilty on December 19 and was released on bail. The same day, Sordilla, Tarosa, and Gemma Austin were arraigned on the superseding indictment; all three pleaded Not Guilty. The court also denied Sordilla’s and Tarosa’s dismissal motion. The three are still in custody.
A status hearing has been set for January 30, 2026.
Just a quick update regarding Pinnacle Hybrid Publishing.
It appears that the group behind this operation has migrated to a new website in an attempt to avoid detection and bypass the FBI report tied to their original domain. Their former site — https://pinnaclehybridpublishing.com/
— has now gone dormant, and they’ve since shifted to a new one at https://pinnaclehybridbookpublishing.com/
It also seems that, following increased pressure from authorities, the individuals involved have now posted photos of their supposed “representatives”, who were previously claiming to be U.S.-based. These new images appear to show their real faces, likely as an attempt to regain credibility.
For awareness, these are the same individuals who scammed one of my partners for about $12,000 under the guise of a film deal that was later confirmed to be fraudulent!!!!!!
Images of the individuals:
https://storage.imgbly.com/imgbly/klmC5sTPNG.PNG
Updated scam website:
https://pinnaclehybridbookpublishing.com/
Stay vigilant and always verify before engaging with any supposed representatives claiming affiliations with publishing or film development firms.
KEEP THIS CASE ALIVE! Don’t let those pos get away with it! There are still agents that will be prosecuted.
Pinnacle Hybrid Publishing, which masks itself under a U.S. residential address at 14 2nd Street, Budd Lake, NJ 07828, but actually operates out of Cebu City, Philippines, is now officially on the radar of the FBI, in coordination with the Department of Justice in the Philippines.
This isn’t just smoke…. things are moving. Apparently, a seasoned agent from a traditional publishing house got wind of the company’s shady offers and took it legal. What they uncovered? Promises of film adaptations, global distribution deals, and Netflix-type pitches that don’t actually exist. Just flat-out lies to swindle authors out of thousands in “investment packages.” One confirmed case shows an author scammed out of $12,000 for nothing.
Law enforcement is treating this as a cross-border fraud case, and companies like this are now being flagged, investigated, and may soon be seized. If you’re currently in contact with them or have signed anything, now’s the time to lawyer up and protect your work.
Looks like the FBI’s quiet moves on Pinnacle Hybrid Publishing are starting to show. They’ve just wiped their fake U.S. address from the site—the one linked to a random residential home. Safe bet that spot’s either been visited or is on the Feds’ list.
See changes they made where they removed their fake US address: https://paste.pics/TBSMR
Honestly, I feel bad for the people in the U.S. who got roped in and used as collateral. Totally unfair, especially while the real scammers back in Cebu, Philippines, are out there living it up on stolen money. More updates and the case number coming soon!!!!
Victoria, looks like your efforts are futile. They are expected to be free 3rd or 4th quarter of the year. Is this how incompetent US law is?
https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/632392/2-cebu-based-execs-held-linked-to-44m-scam-in-us-can-return-to-ph-if/amp
Hardly “my efforts”. The case was brought by the US government.
Reading that article, it strikes me as a pretty standard PR effort, especially the…interesting…claim that Sordilla and Tarosa did nothing wrong and “rogue sales agents” were responsible. Notably, the lawyer doesn’t quote any US authorities to support his claim that they’ll be released, and undercuts his own claims by saying that “the timing was still uncertain”. Per other articles, it seems that he’s really only describing a lobbying effort by friends and family, rather than anything that’s actually happening in the USA. Additionally, the lawyer is not listed on the court docket as the attorney of record for any of the defendants.
I wouldn’t discount the possibility of an eventual plea, or even the case being abandoned because of the current wholesale firings and wrecking of the US government. But recent court documents make it clear that the case is proceeding with discovery (see my most recent update), and there are no motions for release. Sordilla and Tarosa are still in detention in California. The first hearing is now scheduled for August 29.
Looks like you are late. The homecoming party is being scheduled already ( I talked with the event organizer)
These rypes of federal cases are almost always a 100% conviction rate.I see these in my state jurisdiction.
The federal case will drag on until 4th quarter 2026 due to discovery and other nuances.
The Feds will Not let this one go. 800+ victims and the scammers are foreigners, 100% conviction rate.
They will either plead guilty now for reduced mandatory prison sentence usually around 6-10 years in fed pen. or
Be found guilty by federal jury and sentenced to 10-20 years.
They will either die or assaulted in fed pen.
Truth.
Very quiet now, isn’t it? I heard the couple have gone home in the Pholippines
It’s quiet but it doesn’t mean that people aren’t watching
And no, they are still in jail waiting for their trial date May 9. Top sellers should still be scared. When it’s quiet, that’s when it’s scary.
You should also investigate PINNACLE HYBRID PUBLISHING they are working from home and they are impersonating people from tv network, new york, trad pub and many more. They are also treating their employees like shit.
FBI agents should also look into this scam company in the Philippines with their new company name “In-Victa Media Private Ltd.” (formerly known as In-Victa Digital Printing and Advertising Co. – wherein their Facebook page was also deactivated after what happened to PageTurner Press and Media LLC) registered under the name of Ace Sanchez. Their U.S. company name is “Ewings Publishing LLC” registered under the name of Honeylene Ewing.
This is their newly-created Facebook page (Paused) – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1374561456762502
Invicta Media Private Ltd. appears to be a PR and advertising agency based in New Delhi. The name similarity to In-Victa appears to be coincidental.
Yes, Victoria. You’re right! However, the names listed above are true and correct. Their office is in
FLC Center, 888 Hernan Cortes St, Mandaue City, 6014 Cebu
Why did Victoria Strauss respond only to authors but not to those who commented? hahaha hmmmmm
Owner of Penguin Literary House, Bradford Literary House and Book Builders Studio
Pure Scam
Mary Grace Pacaldo Yap
https://www.facebook.com/wonderful13
Please Report
Hi Victoria,
Good day!
The co-owners and the top sellers are the following:
1.) Cristina Wasawas Young a.k.a Dee Lopez
2.) Onell Quinanola a.k.a Rick Rodriguez
I know they’re no longer operating due to overpromising made by the company’s employees.
I can’t blame the owner for closing because knowing her, she values integrity and honesty in all her dealings but sad to say that the Agents she had worked with were traitors and greedy. The Sales Agents were the real culprits just to earn commission because the owner was very busy with her studies and she wasn’t aware what the Agents have done. I pity the owner for being betrayed by the Sales Agents after they got their commissions. Good thing, she decided to close the business or stop the operation few months ago for her to be out of this very toxic industry. Not worth her time and energy.
You’re such a shame making allegations and name-dropping, you can’t even put your name. Are you sure you know what you’re doing? We know the real story, and be careful what you wish for. You’ll receive a special gift later. Please do expect it!
You’re such a shame making allegations and name-dropping, you can’t even put your name. Are you sure you know what you’re doing? We know the real story, and be careful what you wish for. You’ll receive a special gift later. Please do expect it! eng eng eng
Yes Pegi, we know the real story how kind and generous the owner was to her Sales Agents and how abusive the Sales Agents were to her. In fact, Sales Agents made a lot of Cash Advances from her and if the owner will put some limitations to them, that’s when they have tantrums. We know the real story that the owner even conducted a meeting to her Sales Agents telling them not to overpromise to their clients and I know for a fact that they do fulfill the services being paid for bec I am one of her Vendors for the marketing services but one of her Sales Agents went on AWOL during their Lunchbreak bec that Agent prefers the other way around and Cristina Young followed that Sales Agent. They are now working in Visions Creative Corp (Cristina and Luke) even before the owner decided to stop the operation. The owner has good intentions in running the business but the Sales Agents did a lot of bs to her Company that made her decide to close it. And never it happened that the owner betray a Single Agent but sad to say that almost all of her Sales Agents betrayed her bec of greediness and love of money that triggered her to close the business. I know Cristina Wasawas Young personally bec she used to work in Concentrix before and I know how greedy she is when it comes to money and how selfish and traitor she is as a friend. It’s not a surprise that I’ve heard that she also betrayed the owner and was even tagged as the best traitor in history. She’s actually not a co-owner but one of the Top Sellers during Company’s operation and she’s indeed very ungrateful after the owner have helped her during her pregnancy until she gave birth to her youngest child. I hope and pray that God will help the owner clean her name and reputation out from this mess. She’s a good person and she’s very kind and very down-to-earth. She doesn’t deserve to be betrayed! Thanks Pegi for defending the owner!
i can see the good intentions of the owner.. naming the company PENGUIN and BRADFORD literary house.
With FBI and NBI help, Truman press is Quadratex Philippine services in Capitol Cebu City. Across Cebu doctors hospital. Managed by Gino Garcia and Cheryl del Villar II Garcia. Formal complaint is on. Now I think they are moving to different building in Cebu City now.
I recently came across a publisher called Milton and Hugo and was wondering if anyone has experience with them. I’m exploring self-publishing options, and they seem like a promising choice, but I’d love to hear from anyone who has worked with them or knows about their credibility.
I am a victim of Page Turner literary Media. They published my book but that was all. I never received any communication frow them since. They don’t respond to emails of phone calls.
This serves as the silver lining for us. Additionally, it’s important to stay vigilant about Booksidepress, as they appear to be using similar tactics to scam people. Look at their website https://booksidepress.com/
Here’s another potential publishing scam in the Philippines: MTC LitPrimix OPC and Goldengate Bridge BPO.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CxDGwBfRa/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.facebook.com/share/1857nCKSBC/?mibextid=wwXIfr
U.S DBA
LitPrime Solutions
https://www.litprime.com
Primix Publishing
https://www.primixpublishing.com
Auctorem House
https://www.auctoremhouse.com
The owners and officers in the Philippines.
CEO
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BS8fe9hDh/?mibextid=wwXIfr
President
https://www.facebook.com/share/1B8UN2nWGP/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Director
https://www.facebook.com/share/1H7qQpqrkK/?mibextid=wwXIfr
I paid $25k to Truman Press, only to know lately that they are Quadratex Philippine Services in Capitol Cebu City. Total waste of money, went to nothing. To all authors, never deal with anyone from Truman Press/Truman Publishing. They are all SCAMS. They have websites showing positive views, but they are all made up by them. I came to research of this company. see below.
https://bossjob.ph/en-us/company/quadratex-philippines-services-opc-72807
You also need to include Parchment Global aka The Flippage in an investigation. Their Office is in Cabahug St, Cebu City across ICON , residential building. Also practicing scams about bookfairs , radio interview, Press releases, etc. Owners are Mike Coronado, Wendelou Joseph Alimpoos and Jenah Paz Ycong.
This is truly alarming, reading these comments on this page. I’m now questioning if all marketing and advertising agencies in the Philippines can be trusted. How can we tell if a company is legitimate or a scam? Can anyone provide guidance? For instance, companies like Gohan Strategy, IMARK International, Macanne, MLCPH Business Consultancy Services, Socialbiz.us, Orange Creative Inc., SmartSites, Intero Digital, WebiMax, Digital Spin, Skyrocket Studios PH, Inc., and more—how do we know which ones are trustworthy?
I have been sending emails since mid 2024 but they all bounce. This is very strange and shocking. Thank you for this eye-opening article.
A friend from BIR (a government institution in the Philippines) mentioned that they received intelligence and are now coordinating with the NBI to pursue investigations, particularly regarding Michael’s top agents who were posted on their social media before it was taken down, as well as the rest of the publishing company operating in Cebu.
Do you have any update on this? Curious on how it goes. They’ve been raking millions a month
I’m glad I’ve seen this. I keep getting annoying and nuisance call from an agent named Fred Bowman. I was surprised because I hired him under an agency. Then he asked me to refund what I paid and ask to wire and send checks to the Philippine Islands. He said the video was made by him and I need to pay Mr. Christian Dior Porral. I’m glad my bank cancelled the checks. I’m glad an FBI report was done against him. He worked outside his agency’s premises for me to send him money to Mr. Porral in Mambaling, Cebu. I guess some of these companies are scammed too by their employees.
I’ve been wondering why Victoria disregards all comments about AuthorSolutions. It makes me think that perhaps this blog is supported by AuthorSolutions, or maybe Victoria is working with them. Let me explain why AuthorSolutions operates like a scam.
One of the practices they use involves requiring all agents to sell a subscription called the Author Learning Center (ALC) for $10/month. While $10 may seem like a small amount, when you multiply that by the millions of ELDERLY clients across all their imprints, it adds up to a significant amount. In reality, ALC is just a website with a few videos, nothing more.
Additionally, top agents at AuthorSolutions often contact so-called ‘scam companies’ in Cebu to negotiate processing sales outside the AuthorSolutions system. I can even name names and post screenshots of the conversations as proof.
Mary Flores
Travis Black
Rae Dawson
Dean Summers
Kristine M.
Mr. Wilson
I agree with this. Clearly, if you wanna kill something, start with HEAD. And Victoria seems shying away from doing this. Why is AuthorSolutions still operating in Cebu in a large, expensive, and prestigious IT Park – easily traceable by investigators and is tugged in a leash. Easy to catch. Clearly, they are operating under the same playbook. NOTE: Authors’ contact information comes from them. They are the real SOURCE. AuthorSolutions CLEARLY FAILED to protect customer privacy internally. These leads from Author Solutions are sold outside for thousand of pesos. AuthorSolutions, should, first and foremost, be held liable for the proliferation of customer information. Why can’t FBI do some checking?
If you search AuthorSolutions you’ll find dozens of posts about the company and its subsidiaries. Not sure what you think more Victoria should do. AuthorSolutions is a standard run of the mill vanity press, just a big one, and there are so many of those that if Victoria spent time talking about every single one individually, we’d be here until the end of time.
I personally know Mary Flores. I don’t think she is capable of doing that. So please, do not make an issue out of a non-issue.
Hi Victoria,
I’ve noticed that several companies from Cebu have been flagged as scams, and I wanted to bring one particular case to your attention.
My brother previously worked with a BPO company in Cebu but left due to lower incentives. He recently applied to Southside Marketing Solutions, also known as SSMS Inc., after receiving an attractive offer. You can find their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079273170589
According to my brother, he was given the option to work at either their Talisay or Ayala branch. They also operate under the name Book Trance Media, which appears to be a sister company. Their business practices seem to mirror those of Page Turner Press, involving questionable contracts and processing fees. I would greatly appreciate it if you could investigate this further.
Additionally, I noticed that you’ve featured them in your blogs, and the well-known author Lee Goldberg has had several encounters with them, which you can see in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_XJm6kRXkk
Thanks!
And I forgot to mention they go by the name of “New Age Literary Agency and Book Trance Media”. Unfortunately, we don’t have any information for their US Contact.
There are widespread allegations labeling a lot of companies as scams, particularly in Cebu. This raises the question: if these companies fulfill their services, can they still be considered scams? It seems essential to reassess how we categorize these businesses.
For instance, Author Solutions, LLC, which operates a branch in Cebu IT Park, is often regarded as a reputable publishing company with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Yet, a closer look at customer reviews reveals numerous complaints about their practices, suggesting that they may engage in deceptive tactics more than the smaller companies mentioned above.
As someone who has worked with these publishing companies, I can attest to the frustrations faced by many authors who have not received the services promised by Author Solutions. Despite the negative experiences reported, there appears to be a lack of critical coverage about them compared to the scrutiny faced by smaller firms. Perhaps it’s time to shift the focus and hold larger companies like Author Solutions accountable for their actions as well. Not to mention the fact that these business owners who have created their own publishing companies are ex- employees of Author Solutions. The tree just bore its fruit!!!!
Author Solutions, LLC reviews:
https://www.bbb.org/us/in/bloomington/profile/publishers-book/author-solutions-llc-0382-32002554/customer-reviews
Watch out for these Cebu based publishing companies.
SSMS Inc.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079273170589
CalmPages Digital Marketing Services
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565707984721
Writers Point LLC
https://www.facebook.com/dkygaming24
Topnotch Advertising
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560057361890
Nimbus Digital Marketing
https://www.facebook.com/Thenimbus2022
Creative Chronicle Solutions
https://www.facebook.com/CreativeChronicleSolutions
SASS Advertising
https://www.facebook.com/SASSAdvertising
Creative Media Marketing
https://www.facebook.com/creativemediamktg
Hello, if you have screenshots and strong evidences to your accusation you may send it to this email. Author Solutions provides reward for those who give them information for internal malpractices. Here is the email whistleblower@authorsolutions.com
Ariane Dalman?
Here’s another company that has been targeting authors for years now : Bookwise Global Advertising https://www.facebook.com/bookwiseglobal Owned by : https://www.facebook.com/jaylouren24
https://www.facebook.com/hhalliwel
I was surprised to see this comment about Bookwise Global Advertising being labeled a scam. I’ve worked as a Quality Assurance Officer at Bookwise and I can confidently say that the company does not tolerate illegal and unethical practices. They always make sure to monitor all activities of the employees to prevent fraud transactions
However some employees, outsmarted company rules, doing their unauthorized activities outside operating hours and outside premises and misrepresenting themselves as part of the company.
I’ve worked in different companies within the same industry, and I can say that Bookwise and some companies operates with professionalism. It’s disheartening to see all companies within the same industry are generalized due to isolated incidents, like the well-known case involving Page Turner Press and Media.
Defend your Scam company. We know you are somehow doing some Scam, over promising authors, over pricing and more.
And the incident happened with Sordilla is not isolated, there are many of you Specially in Cebu, philippines. This has been reported to the FBI and NBI.
Again we will flag all of you down!!! Expect us!!!
Before you put your stupid comment here, check your grammar and spelling first. LOL
I don’t know where your allegations and eagerness are coming from. I am simply stating facts here. It’s my experience versus your allegations. Also, please observe proper spelling and capitalization next time. Grammarly is free. Have a good day!
The top-performing agents from Innocentrix, who earned millions, have now joined together to form a new company called MEDIATECH PHILS SERVICES INC. Leading the company is Mark Alvarez, who earned the highest sales commission at Innocentrix with Php 7 million. The vice president, Sean Red Fernan.
I appreciate the info about this new company. Things I need: the exact name (there are a couple of variations in the comments here); the name or names they do business under in the USA; and documentation linking it all together–connecting Mark Alvarez with Mediatech, connecting Mediatech with its US dba, etc. I welcome any and all communications–please email me if you don’t want to comment publicly: beware@sfwa.org
At this time, I am unable to fully verify all the details, as it appears the company is operating under the radar. However, I can confirm that Mark Alvarez, along with other top-tier former employees of Innocentrix, who were essentially the masterminds of its fraudulent schemes, are now associated with Mediatech Phils Services Inc.
https://facebook.com/share/p/1DccfdGNrd/
For FBI have them invistigated , they are now at IT park i3 or within IT Park Lahug, Cebu City
COMPANY DETAILS
Company Name
MEDIATECH PHILS SERVICES INC.
SEC Number
2022120079214-00
Date Registered
December 18, 2022
Status
Registered
Address
TOWER 1, UNIT 306 , CASA MIRA TOWERS GUADALUPE , Guadalupe, N.A., CEBU CITY (Capital), CEBU, REGION VII (CENTRAL VISAYAS), 6000
SECONDARY LICENSE DETAILS
No records of secondary licenses were found.
Just reply here if you need additional information from this email
Is this vice president same with the one who looks like an actor/influencer in cebu?
Yes
Hi Sharon, I am a reporter with Bloomberg Businessweek based in San Diego. I’m reporting a long story on Innocentrix/PageTurner. Would love to hear more. Can you email me at bcamcrane@gmail.com?
MEDIATECH SERVICES PHILS.
Located in Capitol Cebu City. It is a fraction of Mike’s company. VP is Sean Red Fernan. They make around 10M USD / month.
Facebook link or Website post here
CEO is Mark Francis Alvarez. Former Innocentrix employee, top sales agent.
What name(s) do they do business under in the USA?
Mediatech services philippines is the just a different branch. It is funded with Innocentrix. Same business, same scam, everything.
Hey Killua, I’m a reporter with Bloomberg Businessweek. I’m reporting a long investigative feature on PageTurner/Innocentrix. Trying to speak with anyone who’s come into contact with the company.
Can you email me at bcamcrane@gmail.com? Best, Brent Crane
Hi Trinity, I’m a reporter with Bloomberg Businessweek. I’m reporting a long investigative feature on PageTurner/Innocentrix. Would love to hear how you know this. Can you email me at bcamcrane@gmail.com? Best, Brent Crane
Hi Trinity, I am a reporter with Bloomberg Businessweek based in San Diego. I’m reporting a long story on Innocentrix/PageTurner. Would love to hear more. Can you email me at bcamcrane@gmail.com?
This is Bryan Navales Tarosa’s Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/bryn.tarosa
I’m an aspiring author from the Philippines and it’s a huge shock for me to know that there are malicious activities happening within my own backyard. SERVES THEM RIGHT! DO NOT RELEASE THOSE THREE and let them rot in jail!
Beware of alleged publishing scams operating in Cebu, Philippines, involving companies like:
•Innocentrix – https://www.facebook.com/share/15XBUpXXYx/?mibextid=wwXIfr
•BridgeBooks – https://www.facebook.com/share/18G2sLZo6A/?mibextid=wwXIfr
•Apex Teleservices – https://www.facebook.com/share/1AuQBtjT5m/?mibextid=wwXIfr
•MTC Litprimix – https://www.facebook.com/share/1B9NTRiKWC/?mibextid=wwXIfr
•Editor Press and Media – https://www.facebook.com/share/19zASjr9HN/?mibextid=wwXIfr
•Apeak – https://www.facebook.com/share/1AGDBrpMhK/?mibextid=wwXIfr
•Astas Marketing Consultancy – https://www.facebook.com/share/14c7sJcaDj/?mibextid=wwXIfr
There’s more to mention.
This one also
Bookwise Global Advertising: https://www.facebook.com/share/1A7t3RcHhT/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Another scam publishing company operating in Mandaue City, Philpippines
In-Victa Digital Printing and Advertising Co.
https://www.facebook.com/share/15avKYdmtX/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Mother of all Scam
“Author Solutions”
The publishing company that started all.
From Author Solutions – to – Innocentrix – to – hundreds of different scam publishing company’s operating in Cebu, Philippines. Some are in Manila, Leyte, Negros and others parts of the philippines.
FBI should coordinate with NBI to investigate a lot of Publishing scam that looks legit since they have governtment permits in the Philippines and able to secure LLC in the U.S.
I’m well aware. In fact I was pointing this out all the way back in 2019.
This one, NDM philippines
https://www.facebook.com/share/1KZFtZdDhU/?mibextid=wwXIfr
What are the scam publishing companies under NDM Philippines? I guess this is their CEO: https://www.facebook.com/lynyrd.luague
Nic D Mancia is the ceo of NDM. Sir Laugue is his partner
If you’re an author or aspiring writer, be cautious when dealing with publishing companies, especially those operating in the Philippines. Reports suggest that several companies are allegedly involved in deceptive practices targeting authors. These companies often promise services like international book promotion, guaranteed sales, and marketing, but fail to deliver on their promises after securing payments.
Here’s an updated list of companies to watch out for:
– Author Solutions
[Facebook Link](https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ap8gXDho7/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
– Innocentrix
[Facebook Link](https://www.facebook.com/share/15XBUpXXYx/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
– BridgeBooks
[Facebook Link](https://www.facebook.com/share/18G2sLZo6A/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
– Apex Teleservices
[Facebook Link](https://www.facebook.com/share/1AuQBtjT5m/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
– MTC Litprimix
[Facebook Link](https://www.facebook.com/share/1B9NTRiKWC/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
– Editor Press and Media
[Facebook Link](https://www.facebook.com/share/19zASjr9HN/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
– Apeak
[Facebook Link](https://www.facebook.com/share/1AGDBrpMhK/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
– Astas Marketing Consultancy
[Facebook Link](https://www.facebook.com/share/14c7sJcaDj/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
– Bookwise Global Advertising
[Facebook Link](https://www.facebook.com/share/1A7t3RcHhT/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
– In-Victa Digital Printing and Advertising Co.
[Facebook Link](https://www.facebook.com/share/15avKYdmtX/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
– NDM Philippines
[Facebook Link](https://www.facebook.com/share/1KZFtZdDhU/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
– MEDIATECH PHILS SERVICES INC.
(Reportedly connected to Innocentrix under Michael Sordilla in Cebu City)
– Creative Chronicle Solution
[Facebook Link](https://www.facebook.com/share/161SizbA8y/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
– Visions Creative Corp
[Facebook Link](https://www.facebook.com/share/1KFfAGtfg8/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
– Good Pages Inc
– Kintegra Enterprise
[Facebook Link](https://www.facebook.com/share/1ArbBJ33iY/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
– SASS Advertising
[Facebook Link](https://www.facebook.com/share/15krSnj6U8/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
– IO Outsourcing Services
[Facebook Link](https://www.facebook.com/share/19ozNiLPaH/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
– Teletrend Inc.
[Facebook Link](https://www.facebook.com/share/18YHN4M5SQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
– Nimbus Digital Marketing
[Facebook Link](https://www.facebook.com/share/14yAMRtuJK/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
What’s the Pattern?
These companies are reportedly engaging in practices similar to Innocentrix, led by Michael Sordilla. They operate as intermediaries or publishing agents, often demanding upfront payments with little or no results for their clients.
Additionally, some of these entities are not registered companies in the Philippines but claim LLC status in the U.S. or partnerships with U.S. or Canadian citizens to appear legitimate.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
– Research thoroughly: Check reviews, testimonials, and the company’s legal registration.
– Verify promises: Be skeptical of guarantees for international promotions or instant success.
– Consult peers: Reach out to fellow authors or forums to verify a company’s reputation.
– Ask for credentials: Legitimate companies should provide proof of their successes and partnerships.
A Note to Listed Companies
If you believe your company has been wrongfully included in this list and you can demonstrate transparency and ethical practices, there’s no reason to worry. Reputable businesses thrive on trust and accountability!
Authors, stay vigilant. Scams can drain not just your finances but your dreams as well. Protect your work and always proceed with caution.
None of these companies do business under these names in the USA, Canada, etc. This list would be a lot more helpful if it included all of the US business names.
Waiting for In-Victa to be Con-Victa..
In-Victa Digital Printing and Advertising Co:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DcewQN3eT/?mibextid=qi2Omg
News Media and Press in the philippines you need to release this for awareness that there’s a lot of this Scam ongoing still in the philippines specially in Cebu, Philippines.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/three-indicted-and-internet-domain-seized-44-million-nationwide-book-publishing-scam
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/01/16/chula-vista-woman-filipino-couple-accused-of-running-44-million-book-publishing-scam/
https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/three-charged-in-alleged-book-publishing-scam-involving-chula-vista-company/3725086/?amp=1
https://www.law360.com/amp/articles/2285227
https://authorsguild.org/news/fbi-arrests-individuals-behind-pageturner-scam/
https://boingboing.net/2025/01/09/fbi-busts-44m-publishing-scam-that-preyed-on-aspiring-authors.html/amp
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/fbi-busts-44m-publishing-scam-that-preyed-on-aspiring-authors/ar-BB1raZCn
Hello and thanks to all for this info. Does anyone know anything about Brooklyn Ghostwriting? Do these companies just want your money? What if you’ve sent them your completed manuscript and want to pull out? What do they do with it, (if it’s any good)?
Brooklyn Ghostwriting is a scam, like those discussed here: https://writerbeware.blog/2022/01/24/how-to-spot-a-ghostwriting-scam/
Yes, they just want your money, which is why, if you don’t pay them, they will do nothing with your manuscript. They aren’t interested in your work, just in the amount of cash they can extract from you.
Now, this is a good Netflix Crime Documentary.
Victoria,
I’m from the Philippines and I used to work in one of these publishing scam companies years ago. I resigned for I can no longer take the thought of feeding my family money that I got from the miseries of these innocent victims who only aspire to become big in the publishing industry.
I’m totally in awe of your dedication to seek justice for the victims of these publishing scams. There are still other “CEOs” and their minions who are flashing their wealth in social media; bragging about riches acquired maliciously.
Supporting you throughout. May God bless you with more people who are willing to help you expose these thieves.
Justice served for the victims of Mike and Bryan.
Hi Victoria, I’m a reporter with Bloomberg Businessweek, reporting a long story about PageTurner and book publishing scams. I’ll be coming to Cebu in April. Would love to chat in the meantime and hear about your time working in this industry. Can you email me at bcamcrane@gmail.com? Thanks, Brent Crane
Apologies, *Lara*
So happy they got caught. Now there’s a few more needs to be in jail. There are a host of scammers out there looking to hook an author. I get as many as two to four calls a week from various scammers.
Here’s another key player of their company. HR Head – https://www.facebook.com/maria.leceliacolegio?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Thank you ! Please post all the information we have! Laurence Ursal is the team lead in “sales” if you’ve been a victim. Please reach out to me nebulahalfbaked(@) Gmail (.) com
Hi, this is Phil. I used to work for a publishing company based here in the Philippines. My wife currently works in the same industry now. I strongly agree that Innocentrix and its leaders must be punished for committing this crime. Ever since, everyone in the industry knew that these bunch of scammers were out of control. Some employees from Innocentrix who have resigned from their company are my friends and I’ve been told that Innocentrix people send bogus contracts to their clients just to achieve sales targets. For someone who comes from this industry with my wife, this is strongly a business malpractice. Sadly, it is also being done by some “fly by night” or work-from-home individuals who pretend to be working for a firm.
But Victoria, coming from this industry before, I still believe that there are publishing companies (in the Philippines or regardless it may be based) who still prioritize their clients by providing avenues for them to showcase their craft and truly generate sales and exposure for them. The fact is, whatever the product or service offered (be it publishing or not) clients should be selective in researching a company’s track record, reading the reviews and portfolios of these companies – and in the end, put their trust only in a company that can deliver and live up to their expectations.
I know of some reliable companies who have a strong project fulfillment team who are creative and truly prioritize their clients rather than just hitting their sales. Sadly, those who work tirelessly – skilled copyeditors, creative designers, ghostwriters, video editors, website designers (to mention a few, who are, by the way, more skilled and creative than some American companies) – whose goal is to achieve the best output for their clients (in the hopes of truly making a difference in their books) are affected by these malpractices by Innocentrix.
I agree with you that bogus contracts and business malpractices deserve punishment. I abhor it. So please do not generalize that all PH-based publishing companies are scammers. I rest my case.
What’s your company’s name?
Ted. These scam companies know how to speak to authors and malign legitimate companies just to get a sale. Once they know the clients thru another company’s website, they are extremely talented at encouraging them to refund and redirect projects to them. So I’m afraid I can’t share that with you. The company I worked with before has zero chargeback and only a few refunds. So it’s simple: if the client believes it is a scam, or even with the slightest disappointment, they should contact the bank. The goal is NOT to eradicate companies in the same line of business because there are some who can deliver. What we all should do is bring awareness to authors to be more decisive, practice good judgment in deciding who they should be working with because these scam companies will not succeed if clients know how to take their money back. This will lead closure of their payment systems and eventual closure to their operations.
We know who you are guys in cebu city, philippines.
You need to stop
Or else you will be next to sordilla
That’s funny, How can you stop something that is legally allowed? All these companies are legitimate operations and are legally allowed to operate. What should be done is… IN CASE — author feels that he’s being scammed or cheated on, get their money back and investigation in the US follows. Phil just mentioned clearly… there are legitimate advertising/publishing companies out there. So if there’s a scam happening, present documents and proof, and like Sordilla, prove them guilty.
Out of curiosity, what are some of the companies that you’d consider do a good job for their clients?
Book Launchers, for example, (www.booklaunchers.com) is a self-publishing company, too. It operates similarly. They have overseas back-office support too. So, this is one of the reasons why we cannot generalize these companies as scams unless there is a report of non-fulfillment. Some of them, but not all, are scams.
I’m not familiar with Book Launchers, which I guess is a good sign (maybe). Looking at its website, it appears to provide a lot of services, and to avoid the worst of the junk marketing crap. However, it is HUGELY expensive, with monthly fees ranging from nearly $2,000 to $3,300. It’s hard for me to see why even an honest publishing service is worth that kind of money, which would potentially eclipse the fees even of vanities like Atmosphere Press ($11,000) or true hybrids like She Writes Press ($20,000 and up).
Well, overpricing itself is not typically classified as a crime in the U.S. Otherwise, you can sue them or report them to FBI. Unfortunately, no. You can’t. You can only sue them if these companies misrepresent other organizations (like PageTurner sending bogus Netflix contracts) or the company did not deliver (like PageTurner leaving their authors after payment). Those practices are clearly scams.
There are businesses like BookLaunchers (and some others operating in the Philippines) that actually deliver what is expected by their authors, and provide a contract before they make payment, wherein authors know the deliverables before payment. Authors “invest” in it because it can potentially result to sales, and much more. Not all writers know how to copyedit and format their books and market them. Similarly, there are aspiring authors who don’t know how to write a book, so they need a ghostwriter to do it. So they pay. Authors sign these contracts and are legal binding. My point is this: just because it is a self-publishing company it is a scam. Maybe overpriced, yes. But not illegal. So if the end-receiver is happy and the company delivers according to contract, who are we to question?
I think what could potentially be illegal is when you make a “Scam List” on the basis of reports coming from unverified sources and place them on a list like you did. Who are the actual authors scammed by these companies? What is the specific scamming practice? While it is true that many of them are scams (thanks for exposing them) I disagree that all of them are.
I didn’t say overpricing is a crime (that would be pretty stupid). It can, however, be predatory, especially when writers can get similar or identical services for much less than BookLaunchers is charging. This is where it pays to be an educated consumer, but too many writers forget that when they’re dealing with a publishing service, they aren’t authors, but customers dealing with a business with a vested interest in getting them to buy.
Writer Beware wouldn’t have lasted as long as it has if we based our information just on “unverified sources” (if you’re interested, you can learn more about our process on our About Us page). The vast majority of the complaints we receive come from the actual authors affected (or increasingly, in the case of impersonation scams, from the literary agents and publishers and organizations affected), and we do not accept anonymous complaints or reports (i.e., people must contact us under their real names). As for my big list of overseas scams, I don’t add a company unless I have documentation to support the addition–which means company emails, contracts, and other materials that document fraudulent practices.
If you’re interested in the “specific scamming practice”, you can check the preamble to my list (helpfully titled READ THIS FIRST), which provides an overview and links to examples. Although there are a lot of publishing scammers in the Philippines, they mostly use the same playbook, and employ the same approaches, techniques, offers, products, services, and falsehoods. PageTurner was worse than most, but also not so very different.
If these “verified” authors/people who sent you these information are truly concerned, it would be best that they immediately contact law enforcement. Remember, these companies in your list are actual companies registered IN THE US. These companies are bound by the law! If they feel that they have been scammed, they need to prove it so these “scam” companies are closed and the legitimate ones remain – not just throw a publicity stunt like a “scam list”.
Here’s a story: when I was working in this industry two years ago, there was an author who availed of our service, our company spent resources to fulfill it, it was completed, and the author suddenly made a chargeback. After a week, our company’s name has been added to your scam companies list.
In this story, who’s the scam? Is it the company that fulfilled the service according to the contract or the author who was provided with the service but was refunded? Who was the predator – the author who took his money despite a delivered service or the company who fulfilled his service?
The Ewing Publishing aka In victa advertising partying at the expense of the poor victims in the US https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19bx8B2GZP/
Hi Phil, I am a reporter with Bloomberg Businessweek based in San Diego. I’m reporting a long story on Innocentrix/PageTurner. Would love to hear more. Can you email me at bcamcrane@gmail.com?
Best,
Brent Crane
Reply
fyi – serene oasis beach resort in oslob cebu owned my Micheal Sordilla now the website is not working.
Business developed from blood money, stinky cash. May they rot in jail
I am so happy to hear about PageTurner Press. I was one of those authors that got fleeced for low four figures, but I reported them earlier this year to the California Attorney General’s office. Yes, please take the time to do so when you get the chance. It made a difference in this case.
Any Info on Quantum Discovery. Literary Agent Zayn Ortga. I think I have been scammed. I got an email from fbinoah and they listed a link but I havent clicked on it. I am an elderly senior and got scammed Im sure.
I’m afraid that Quantum Discovery (aka QDiscovery) is indeed a scam. I’ve written about it–and its companion scams and their parent company–here: https://writerbeware.blog/2021/03/12/scam-alert-chapters-media-advertising-paper-bytes-marketing-solutions-blueprint-press-quantum-discovery/
If you used a credit card, I’d suggest contacting your credit card company or bank to see if they can work with you to get your money back. If you want to report the fraud, there are suggestions and links to do so here: https://writerunboxed.com/2024/06/28/cheated-swindled-or-scammed-whats-a-writer-to-do/
This should be taken legally as well here in the philippines. You can browse their fb page by clicking this, https://www.facebook.com/share/19rGcN1ap2/?mibextid=wwXIfr
They are so proud with the sales commission knowing it was from scamming people. Everyone should be punished from CEO to admins, team leaders and trainors.
That explains why their employee receives million or millions of peso as commission. You should probably report this to BIR here in PH or DTI.
I got caught by Author Solutions as a newbie for $3K. I did get a nice looking book but that was it. I had to pay for “editing” and they wanted me to pay for “extra” marketing. I turned them down. I did send them a cancelation of the “contract” after reading it within the time period they allowed, but they refused to return my money. So I made them go through hoops and waste money.
Anyway, Page Turner tried to rope me in. I looked at it and went back to my rule of thumb–If they contacted me without me contacting them–it’s a scam and goes to my spam box. Even if it may be legit–if it is, they need to contact me in another way other than calling or sending me the form letter email. And the minute you mention a book that has been out since 2015–I know you are a scam.
Real agents do not have time to solicit business. They have more than they can handle if they are any good. And book companies normally won’t come to you–you go to them. So–agents/publishers/marketers who contact you are 99.99% scam. Delete and move on.
Wow, look at this scammer Mike Sordilla generously showering money on people in the Philippines. Let’s not forget—this isn’t generosity, it’s guilt money stolen from hardworking clients. The audacity of giving away money that doesn’t even belong to him is just next-level shameless.
Watch the video
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?mibextid=wwXIfr&v=1741484409999576&rdid=JS5CfkjV8mhFsRvs
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?mibextid=wwXIfr&v=573610968491111&rdid=RlG21CJQwNR7UVJv
Very much! Sad how agents turned team leads or trainers knows about it yet keeps going and so proud showing their houses, new cars and all, knowing it is from scamming people. Poor soul
Is this thebsame company?
https://pageturnerawards.com/
No.
https://www.facebook.com/ashasanchez93 owner of The Ewing Publishing aka In-Victa Advertising and Publishing. He has two other business partners according to a friend
I suspect it was the truly staggering amounts of money involved here that led to the arrests. In my experience trying to report attempted scams, nobody official is interested, and won’t even take any information, unless a victim has lost a lot of money. I guess because there are too many scams out there for them to do any sort of prevention, and they can only focus on cleaning up the most damaging messes.
About “popularly supposed to be too smart to be scammed,” an anecdote: an intelligent, savvy (former salesman himself) person asked for my opinion on a pricey “marketing service” being offered for his self-pubbed book. I told him how the company had a bad rep (which I knew thanks to Writer Beware) and that the services were way overpriced and would likely yield no noticeable results. He went ahead anyway, and to the best of my understanding, the thinking went like this: so much about publishing is risky and unpredictable anyway, and results are few and far between, and we have so little control, that this way he felt like at least he could take control of something and feel like he was taking some kind of action. I suppose many people who get entangled in these schemes have similar views: even when it looks like a bad bet, the frustrating unpredictability of publishing has laid the groundwork for them to be in the mindset of diving in anyway.
YES!!!! 😀 … couldn’t happen to a nicer bunch of scumbags! 😀
Thank you for your vigilance!
Virginia,
Bless you for all you do to protect authors and those in the publishing world. I am an author who has been approached several times by Page Turner reps. Fortunately, I am familiar with “scammers” and turned down their offers repeatedly. Also (fortunately?) I don’t have any money to invest in these schemes. Occasionally, I play along just to waste their time – not kind but do those folks deserve my kindness?
This is great news, Victoria. Thank you for keeping the writing community updated and for the work you do! It should probably be noted that Page Turner Literary Agency and agent Dan Cramer are above board and not associated with this scam. Thanks!
I thought about adding “not to be confused with” disclaimers, but there are so many groups and organizations called Page Turner or some variation thereof that I decided to hope that readers will be able to make the distinction, and to answer questions as they arise.
Great article in your recent newsletter!! The thing you can always do is give writers the process to check and see if a query is legit. I have a process that I use, but submitting through Writers Beware is always a first. There is an entity that just started up in Colorado called Book Guard that has a subscription cost to verify a crook. BBB Scam is also part of my process. I have personally gone through a variety of scams. I think it is partly because my novel has done extremely well in legitimate competition. This idea if having a process of helping an author screen is critical. Thank you for everything you do. best, Ron Teachworth
I’m afraid that Book Guard is either a scam or some kind of weird venture by a clueless person (among other things, its website shows fictitious staff members–or did, before I exposed them). Either way, not a service to count on. See my recent blog post about it: https://writerbeware.blog/2024/11/22/book-guard-anti-scam-protection-thats-anything-but/
About time one of these bogus companies were bought to task. Let us hope it the first of many.
So funny and I am so pleased. I have received many calls like this and have enjoyed playing with the callers, first leading them on, then telling them in detail why their “offers” sound idiotic to anyone who knows anything. They often sounded surprised and maybe grateful for the info!
I recall the shock and awe with which my writing group heard that a member had spent $10K on probably the most unattractive picture book that we had ever seen.
Another spent $8K on a “guru” who fostered her dated writing style. (Later, he offered an online class for $40 and I was happy to participate: not that the gentleman did not have worthwhile insights, but the charges for same needed to be suitable!
OMG my friend use to work with him before and I am so disgusted. Hopefully he will rot in jail for scamming people.
Brilliant investigative reporting with many great insights into the corporate corruption world of these scam merchants. Pleased to see FBI takes this more seriously than crime prevention agents dealing with crooks such as Russell West-Price in the UK.
Asking for money, contacting out of the blue, saying you’ve won an award (I had this several years ago), are all red flags. Don’t touch them.
I am so glad to read this, Victoria. I hope more of these people get caught.
Thank you for all the warnings you’ve given us over the years. I’m sure you’ve saved many writers from losing thousands of dollars or pounds, or euros, whatever currency they use.
Thank you for all your efforts and these valuable warnings. You make a terrific contribution to the well-being of so many of us self-publishers. Keep up the good work and great advice.
So glad to read of this!
If you can, please also include the link to report scams in Australia https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam. We recently had our very own scaled down version of that, based in Ballarat, Victoria.
Thank you. I will add that to my post.
Does this Page Turner have anything to do with the Michael De Luca productions scam?
Just wait. We know Who they are in CEBU
We are Anonymous. We are Legion. We do not forgive. We do not forget. Expect us
What is CEBU?
The Philippines? I hope they are caught! They scammed my elderly grandfather out of thousands of dollars!
Very possibly, in my opinion, though I can’t say for sure. There are elements in the Michael De Luca emails that I’ve seen in other PageTurner solicitations, and this kind of impersonation is definitely PageTurner M.O.
Victoria, can you please send me the link to report a scam?
There’s a contact form on the front page of the blog. Or you can email me: beware@sfwa.org.
Page Turner got “only” $1,500 from me but, still, it a very negative experience. I will definitely file my report at the link in this article with the FBI. It’d be real nice to recoup some or all of the funds that I lost to them. These days, if I detect even the slightest Filipino accent in a caller claiming to be “John Payne” or some other English-sounding name, I just hang up the phone; sometimes I’ll even laugh hysterically into the phone and then yell “Oh, HELL no!”
Great article. Prompted me to write about my displeasure with Reedsy.
Hello MF, I am curious about your Reedsy experience. I haven’t used them. Is there a link to what you wrote about them?
Thank you for this post, Victoria! A client of mine, just this week, asked me about Bridge Books. I told her to be careful, but have to give her the link to this article.
I want to assume most of the money being laundered come from something other than scamming writers.
I want to assume that, otherwise I have to lower my opinion about the intellectual capacity of a whole lot of unpublished writers.
I mean, I get it, when the desire is strong, the guard is down . . . but if you’re being scammed for $600,000, I would assume you have the mean to hire editors, designers, and then self-publish and promote your book. Honestly, I find it difficult mustering sympathy for someone spending over a half a million dollars to publish their book, and them not thinking, “Say! Am I going to make this money back?”
Especially given the state of the industry, where few authors can afford to make writing their sole job.
This data is from 2022, but I don’t expect it has changed much:
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/93301-author-incomes-post-small-gains.html
Thank you so much for keeping us updated. I appreciate it. I’m happy these people are getting caught. There are so many of these scammers, and it’s scary.
These are no doubt the idiots who have been calling me for the last three years. The only time I fell for it was when somebody from a movie company contacted me and wanted a script for my novel. They later said they would have a Hollywood screenwriter do my script for $15.,000. I said no and strangely enough, they said that was fine. I’ve never given these people a cent.
This is great news! Thank you, Victoria.
thanks
This is the best newsletter. I really appreciate your warnings!m
I want to be on the jury.
this is amazing news!!!! Thank you!
Who do I report to that are “the authorities”? US, State, Local DA?? I’ve talked to you before about John Yarber, Mark Brando and others pretending to be Amazon Studio.
There’s a link toward the bottom of my blog post to another post by me with suggestions and links for reporting.
On the average, I receive three or four voice mails per week from phony agents/publishers. Many of them come from a phone number ending in -6666.
I wish you would have clarified that “PageTurner Media” has absolutely nothing to do with, and no connection to, the excellent “Page Turner Awards.” Otherwise, terrific write-up.
It’s the same company. SCAM publishing company owned by Sordilla
As far as I know, Page Turner Awards has no connection to PageTurner Press and Media or any other Sordilla companies.
I had no idea that the list of scammers was so long! Are there any honest ones? I have run across 2 publishers that are not on your list, (should they be?) “Black Rose” who turned down my outline, and “BookBaby” who wants to help self publish by sending me to all the usual people who are involved in publishing. Any comments? Again thank you for all your tremendously helpful information.
If you plug “Black Rose Writing” into the search function here, you’ll find what I’ve written about them. I don’t hold them in high regard.
Bookbaby is a reasonably honest and reputable self-publishing service provider that offers decent value for the money (though it isn’t cheap).
It’s about time these scammers got caught. I wish we could catch them all and get at least some of the money back to the authors. This is jus a mess.
Awesome 👍
P.S.
Page Turner will be back.
As … Page Returner.
So awesome, thank you for this post. Yes, Karma might be slow sometimes but never loses the address🤣 It’s about time the US justice system catches up with these scammers, while they’re enjoying their vacations. Let’s hope this is a massive warning for the rest of the thieves, wherever they might be!
This is simply a huge misunderstanding. Everything will be proven copacetic in short order. They have nothing to hide and your wonderful prose remains safely in their very capable hands. Don’t worry. Publishing will remain on schedule. Another bail hearing is imminent.
#saveMichaelCrisTrayaSordilla
#saveBryanNavalesTarosa
#saveGemmaTrayaAustin
#saveGreedyDevilHucksterGang
You are out of your mind.
I think SMB’s comment is intended as serious sarcasm.
That’s the trouble with social media. Tone of voice can’t be shown, and can cause misunderstanding.
😃
This another company!!!
BookMarc Alliance is a scam, and they took everything from my father!!
Connore, their representative, promised him a book trailer and a contract with a company called 5MoreMinutes for $6,500. He said it was an investment—something that would elevate my father’s career. My dad trusted him. He handed over the money, believing in their lies.
Then, Connore told my father to wait outside our home with two witnesses for the final step of the deal. But they never showed. BookMarc Alliance didn’t show up. Connore didn’t show up. No call, no message. Nothing. They took the money and disappeared.
It wasn’t just about the money. BookMarc Alliance played with my father’s hopes and dreams. They promised him a future, and instead, they left him empty-handed and humiliated.
BookMarc Alliance is a fraud, a company built on lies. They use people’s dreams to steal from them. My father was scammed, and they need to be held accountable. This isn’t just about the money—it’s about exposing BookMarc Alliance for what they are: con artists.
Legal Response to False and Unverified Claims Against Bookmarc Alliance
Dear FRKid or Reviewer,
We take all concerns and complaints seriously at Bookmarc Alliance. However, upon reviewing your allegations, we have found no records of any individual named “Connore” working with us in any capacity, whether as a book agent, author consultant, or representative. Furthermore, we have not identified any communication, meeting records, payments, or contracts related to the claims you have made.
To conduct a thorough investigation, we request that you provide the following:
Proof of Communication – Any emails, call logs, or written correspondence regarding this alleged transaction, including dates of meetings and discussions.
Payment Verification – Proof of payment made to Bookmarc Alliance, including receipts, invoices, or transaction details.
Author Identification – The full name of your father so we can verify if he has engaged our services.
Your Best Contact Information – A phone number where our legal team can reach you for further discussion.
We invite you to visit our office in person from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Pacific Time or contact us directly at ask@bookmarcalliance.com or legal@bookmarcalliance.com for a formal review.
Additionally, we caution you to verify the legitimacy of any entity claiming to represent BookMarc Alliance. Unfortunately, there have been instances where unauthorized individuals have misused our company’s name to conduct fraudulent transactions without our knowledge. If such a situation has occurred, we are prepared to assist in identifying those responsible.
We urge you to provide concrete evidence to substantiate your claims. Making false or defamatory statements against a legitimate business can have legal consequences. We expect a response with the requested details at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Legal Department
BookMarc Alliance
Email: legal@bookmarcalliance.com
Such helpful information! I am an amateur writer and of course I think I am a good story teller and would like to publish to make some money that I don’t have now. Everyone I contact want me to pay a lot for editing, publishing, etc. I don’t have anything close to the amount I’m told is needed. I guess I’ll never know if I have any talent or not.
If a publisher wants you to pay to be published, run!
You can self-publish for absolutely nothing. There are critique groups online, or in person if you can find one locally, where authors critique each other’s work. I’m in two. It’s possible to pay for premium, but the basic, which is still excellent, is free. These groups will help you polish your work.
Cover design is slightly different. I think professional designs are best, but if you are an artist, you could design your own.
Good luck.
Thank you for all your work on these scrams. I fall into the “elder” category (yikes!) and the frequency with which I am targeted is frightening. Thankfully, information like this is so helpful. We live in a retirement community and one of our neighbors was just taken for $10,000. The scammers sent a “courier” to the house. They were instructed to tell NO ONE. If only they had.
I just want you to know you helped me avoid being scammed. I was contacted by a “literary agent” with an accent I had difficultly understanding, wanting to represent me to mainline publishers. He kept calling me. I Googled his address and it was a house on Long Island. I figured he was probably in the Philippines and blocked him. While I think my book is well-written and my story would make a good movie, I don’t trust the manner in which he contacted me out-of-the-blue, thanks to you. Red flags flying everywhere!
I’m so glad you’ve found Writer Beware helpful!
This is FANTASTIC news, Victoria! Great write-up on the situation! Thank you for working so hard to protect authors!!
Angela Hoy, Publisher
WritersWeekly.com
BookLocker.com
Abuzz Press
I agree 100% with your assessment of Page Turner, most especially since Laurence Ursai from Page Turner and his pals Steven McIntosh claiming to be with Macmillan Publishers and James Daunt from Waterstones Book Publishers contacted me in a Joint Ploy and they turned out to be deceitful lying scam artists and thieves of the lowest element of humanity! Buyer and Author Beware is right! I hope all authors or potential authors heed your words! Lost over $5,000 between them.
My name is Mike D’Auria and I authored a book titled Golf Fore Ever approx. 15 years ago, which at that time I published with iuniverse. They also solicited me for a lot of money claiming to be able expose my book to the right people to generate sales but nothing ever materialized – another $20,000 or so lost there. All I can say is AUTHORS BEWARE! Avery Happy New Year to all!
Mike, make a complaint to the FBI (there’s a link toward the bottom of my post to another post by me that provides info and links for reporting to multiple organizations, including the FBI). The Special Agent’s name is on the complaints, which are linked in my post–you can try to contact her directly. My hope is that the prosecutors will seek additional victim reports, so you’ll be one of the first.
Mike D’ Auria, there are several people willing to help you track them down. But you have to provide away of contact. They’re all in Cebu Phillipines hiding and its very easy to give you their information.
Hello, I’m a reporter with Bloomberg Businessweek based in San Diego. I’m reporting a long story on PageTurner and will be heading to Cebu to report it. Would love to hear more. Please email me at bcamcrane@gmail.com.
Best,
Brent Crane