Has anyone ever sent you a message that seemed like it was from a writer you follow, but something felt slightly off?

That feeling is usually correct.

Fake accounts impersonating real writers are common on Substack, and the opening messages are designed to feel warm and personal. The goal is to build enough familiarity to ask for something later.

This week's Screen Skills explains the two things to check before you respond to any unexpected message from an account you don't quite recognize.