Normal Service has been interrupted

It's a good job, I'm vain.

Because today, I Googled myself, just for the heck of it. There's not a lot of me on Google (read that how you will) despite the amount I publish but I'm okay with that.

However, what I am not okay with is plagiarism. I have a Medium account set up ages ago but I've never used it because of the usual thing - time, time, time. However, I have been publishing there regardless and independent of my awareness. A pretty skill, I hear you say. But how?

I was confused at first but then, I thought, "Have Vocal and Medium set up a reciprocal agreement where things I post here automatically get posted there?" And then I thought "Why would they do that? They must be rivals. Makes no sense." And then I realised that what had happened is someone had pilfered my work and was pretending to be me.

I was shocked. What a cheek! I was in bed at the time, scrolling as you do before facing the day and I can tell you, I hotfooted it out of there to look at exactly what was going on.

They've taken my face, my profile background, my name and my work and are even chatting to people who've commented, as me.

I've reported them on Medium but I felt like the best way to staunch the bleeding was not to provide them with any fodder, unless they want to publish this. In which case, they are welcome to share this as it will expose them as the charlatan they are.

I don't think they will. Either way, there will be some changes afoot. I will continue the "Write A Story A day Challenge" but I won't be publishing until I know that my work is being published by me on my profile and without someone else gaining from my words.

I am gratified, bizarrely - a lot of people have been reading my stuff on Medium but unfortunately, I will not be reaping the rewards.

Anyway, this is a temporary hitch. The challenge is still alive for me but I'm not going to compromise my works for someone else's gain. I am aggrieved and hurt really that someone can sink so low as to do this but then, in some ways, I'm not surprised at all.

Anyone else had any experience of this and offer any advice so I can get normal service resumed?

Thanks, Vocal friends!

This is them: https://medium.com/@racheldeeming

I am set up on there as https://medium.com/@scuffedgranny in line with my website and my separate email address.