I got a ridiculous email from a scammer pretending to JK Rowling. It’s such an inept, lazy, obvious scam, that it’s hard for me to believe any reasonably intelligent person would fall for it. But I was curious how this would lead to me sending one of the richest authors in the world some of my money. So I replied…
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From: J. K. Rowling <JoanneRowling@publicist.com>
Date: Fri, Feb 14, 2025 at 3:27 AM
Subject: Book
To: <lee@leegoldberg.com>
Hi,
An introduction would be nice.
I’m Joanne Rowling, the author of (Harry Potter). I’ve read books by you that I find interesting and I’d like to work with you personally. As long as you’re honest and committed, I’m happy to work with you. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this so I can give you more information and advice.
Best wishes,
Author
Joanne Rowling
On 3/13/25, 04:30 Lee Goldberg wrote:
Sorry for the delay. I was traveling overseas and didn’t have Internet. I am thrilled to get your note! I love your books. Tell me more! But I have to warn you, Stephen King also emailed me while I was away about working with him, and I’m a huge fan of his, too. I’m torn!
Lee
On 3/13/25, 04:30 J. K. Rowling <JoanneRowling@publicist.com> wrote:
I’m glad you were able to respond and have a safe trip. I don’t mind, you can collaborate with Stephen King. I have a book event coming up and I’d love for you to attend. Have you heard of my charity? I’d appreciate it if you could make some donations to the charity.
Best regards
Joanne Rowling
On 3/13/25, 15:30 Lee Goldberg wrote:
What a funny coincidence— Stephen King also asked me to donate to his charity! What’s yours?
On 3/13/25, 12:15 J. K. Rowling <JoanneRowling@publicist.com> wrote:
Lumos, which focuses on ending the institutionalization of children and ensuring that they have safe, loving homes and family care.
How much are you trying to donate so that I can send the account details of the relevant secretary?
On 3/13/25, 23:50 Lee Goldberg wrote:
I didn’t say that I want to donate… but I will think about it. Tell me more about the writing project you have in mind for us. Which novel of mine did you read and what did you like about it? How does it relate to the book you have in mind?
It seems odd to me that you haven’t discussed that with me yet, only your charity. Surely as a billionaire, you can fund the charity entirely yourself. You could donate your half of the royalties from our book to them.
On 3/14/25, 8:15 J. K. Rowling <JoanneRowling@publicist.com> wrote:
Hidden in smoke, this was the book of yours that I read and liked. The project is coming out very soon, I just wanted to inform you about it. Harry Potter. It would be better to explain it in person than to talk about it via messages. I have done more for my charity than you think, but I think I need support from my colleague.
On 3/14/25, 8:24 J. K. Rowling <JoanneRowling@publicist.com> wrote:
Have you figured out what you want to donate to the charity? I am worried about it because the children need help in any way, and I am asking you for a favor because I want you to work with me.
On 3/14/25, 18:58 Lee Goldberg wrote:
Hidden in Smoke hasn’t come out yet…how did you read it?
And what is the project you are referring to? (Harry Potter) isn’t something new for you. This focus on me sending your charity money sounds like a scam.
I have friend in Scotland who knows you well. I am going to have Ian forward these emails to you for confirmation. Let me know when you hear from him.
On 3/14/25, 11:55 am J. K. Rowling <JoanneRowling@publicist.com> wrote:
I know it may sound surprising to you, but I have an inside’s view of every area where books are published. Donating to my charity is something you should be happy about, as it brings many benefits, such as attending several of my book readings and meetings. My new project is not about Harry Potter, but about a storyline related to it. I will explain it to you in more detail, when you visit London.
On 3/14/25, 11:59 am J. K. Rowling <JoanneRowling@publicist.com> wrote:
No one knows me better than myself. And if you misunderstood our conversation for something fraudulent is an accusation you don’t want to mention. I am very well known for my reputation.
On 3/14/25, 12:09 pm Lee Goldberg wrote:
My friend didn’t wait to forward the emails …he called her.
She wasn’t very happy to hear about this scam. I think you’d better start running.
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That bit about my friend calling JR Rowling is a lie, of course. But I don’t feel bad about misleading a scammer. Obviously, I didn’t hear back from “JK Rowling” again.
Be sure to check the updates at the bottom of this post! 