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JANUARY 31, 2005 at 10:54 PM
Posted by GERI
Source: JKRowling.com
Harry Potter author JK Rowling has updated her official web site with comments relating to the Harry Potter e-book scam that happened recently. She has also squashed a rumor
about her home in Edinburgh as well as updating her Extra Stuff page with an item about owls.
Rowling on the e-book scam:
As many of you will know from reputable Harry Potter fan sites who reported this story, a site called www.harrybooks.info (now closed) has been offering what it alleged to be an e-book version of 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' - my thanks go to the Leaky Cauldron, in particular, for promptly warning fans what was going on.
You should NEVER trust any Harry Potter e-books offered for download from the internet or on P2P/file-trading networks. Setting aside the fact that these books are illegal (there are no authorised HP e-books to date), they may infect your computer with viruses, leave you vulnerable to the dangers of hacking and/or credit card fraud and may also contain content that has nothing to do with Harry Potter, to say the least.
I would bet the original manuscript of HPB itself that this will not be the last attempt to con HP fans before the publication of book six on 16th July. Please, please protect yourselves, your computers and your credit cards and do not fall for these scams. The only genuine copies of Harry Potter remain the authorised traditional book or audio tapes/cassettes/CDs distributed through my publishers. Similarly, the only sources of release news you should trust are this website or official spokespeople such as representatives of my publishers or agent (details in 'Links section). CONSTANT VIGILANCE!
UPDATE: Rowling has also added a new Wizard of the Month: Artemisia Lufkin (1754 – 1825) First witch to become Minister for Magic.
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Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1726
MissLissyWeasley says:
I like her updates ^_^ It's cool that she still has time to update her website, even though I bet she's really busy right now.
Posted Jan 31, 2005 at 4:48 PM EST
Legilimens
Points: 3013
Extendable Ears says:
That must be very frustrating for Jo to hear of all these folks trying to capitalize on her hard work and personal investement in her writing.
I love her though for watching out for all of us, especially when so busy with a new baby and all. As Jo says, "CONSTANT VIGILIANCE!"
I hope no one fell prey to this scam! Outrageous!
Posted Jan 31, 2005 at 4:49 PM EST
Witch
Points: 526
shortfrancine says:
A calm and reasonable answer usually has more of an effect than a loud screaming one.... hopefully what JK wrote will have a great effect to help people from getting scammed!
Posted Jan 31, 2005 at 4:52 PM EST
Muggle
Points: 27
holla4hp says:
I wouldn't read any Harry Potter books on the internet if they
didnt have J.K.'s name by it.
P.S. A Painted House by John Grisham is and excelent book!!!!!!
Posted Jan 31, 2005 at 4:56 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1246
TybaltTheCannibal says:
It's really too bad that so many people got ripped off by the internet scam. At least it's no longer up and running. The book will be out soon enough, we'll all just have to wait and hang in there!
Posted Jan 31, 2005 at 5:00 PM EST
Squib
Points: 110
soccerpotterfan10 says:
I HATE when people do stuuf like that it is just stupid!! I can't wait for the reall deal to come out! YAY!
Posted Jan 31, 2005 at 5:09 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 335
tre0682 says:
It is sad what some people will do to scam others. Thank you JK for the heads-up.
Posted Jan 31, 2005 at 5:11 PM EST
Squib
Points: 148
Wizard of God says:
People will try to exploit anything won't they. I'm just so glad sites like HPANA help fans by keeping them posted about such scams.
Posted Jan 31, 2005 at 5:13 PM EST
Unspeakable
Points: 3920
stocco says:
I think that whole book scam thing was dumb in the first place. People who actually believed that are very naive. Obviously they wouldn't have a pre-released copy...
Posted Jan 31, 2005 at 5:14 PM EST
The Last Herald-Mage
Points: 2621
darrrrkwind says:
It still amazes me that people actually believe those scams and take them seriously, but it is still good that JKR takes the time to warn her fans about those kinds of things.
Posted Jan 31, 2005 at 5:15 PM EST
Student
Points: 240
Dark Forest says:
These people behind these scams are realy just adding alot of stess to J.K. Rowlings day. I can only imagin how offended she feels right now.
Posted Jan 31, 2005 at 5:16 PM EST
Witch
Points: 878
Amara Nevena Malfoy says:
People can be so stupid some times. Have they no respect? It's terrible what some will do for money....It's a good thing every "note-worthy" fansite has caught on to this a blown it out of the water.
Posted Jan 31, 2005 at 5:17 PM EST
Witch
Points: 734
SiriuslyWarped says:
Although it's awful that people actually get away with this type of stuff, I think it's great that JK Rowling takes her time to address it and let her fans know what's going on. Just another reason why we're all so devoted!
Posted Jan 31, 2005 at 5:18 PM EST
Witch
Points: 755
harrypotter equalslife says:
Wow JKR is really nice to warn us about this....
*Theresa*
Posted Jan 31, 2005 at 5:27 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1463
LAURA? says:
Man I can't believe people would actually download Harry Potter e-books!! haha its funny.. but it can turn out bad. Well Im off the check JKR's site!! Peace!
Posted Jan 31, 2005 at 5:29 PM EST
St. Mungo's Mental Patient
Points: 41829
Phil_ says:
I can't believe people are still trying to pull that trick, it is so stupid and annoying..
Posted Jan 31, 2005 at 5:30 PM EST
Muggle
Points: 9
HPLuva4Life says:
Finally someone is putting a stop to this rubbish! Does anyone actually fall for these scams? Some people are so rude, they will do anything for attention and money! I can't wait until July 16th!
Posted Jan 31, 2005 at 5:33 PM EST
Gryffindor Lioness
Points: 9862
~*GeauxTigers*~ says:
It's really pathetic for people who have nothing better to do than figure out ways to con loyal Harry Potter fans. It's stupid. But even more pathetic and stupid are the people dumb enough to fall for that! As JK said: CONSTANT VIGILANCE!!
Posted Jan 31, 2005 at 5:33 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1158
Moonbake says:
Constant Vigilance! LOVE THAT! Hopefully there were not to many victims to this scam!
Posted Jan 31, 2005 at 5:35 PM EST
Ravenclaw Ambassador
Points: 3243
Nevar says:
Constant vigilance indeed, JK. I should hope that not too many fans were affected by this scam, and that no one else does it again. They've got to be pretty thick to think that they can get past JK or her publishers.
N
Posted Jan 31, 2005 at 5:36 PM EST
Witch
Points: 843
cauldron_cakes 17 says:
be patient guys...it makes the book all the more BETTER!!!
Posted Jan 31, 2005 at 5:44 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1614
hermy-ninny712 says:
Yay! Updates! I love updates!
Posted Jan 31, 2005 at 5:44 PM EST
Muggle
Points: 17
Green and Silver says:
Very interesting. I don't know why people would do this. The book is coming out soon. Can't people wait?
Posted Jan 31, 2005 at 5:52 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1688
Woodfan says:
Why would someone want to get an illegal online copy of the book anyway? No matter how desperate they are.
Posted Jan 31, 2005 at 5:56 PM EST
Wizengamot Member
Points: 3231
Jencameby says:
I am really thankful that Jo, looks out for her fans. I love the way she handles the rumors, very direct and to the point! Thanks Jo! Hopefully this will be the end of it.
Posted Jan 31, 2005 at 6:01 PM EST
Witch
Points: 704
Half Blood Veela says:
People should not fall for dumb tricks like that!!! That is a very hateful thing to do! Darn those con artists!!!
Posted Jan 31, 2005 at 6:04 PM EST
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