Thank you for reading TechCrunch. We want to address an important issue affecting our community. Scammers have been impersonating TechCrunch reporters and event leads, reaching out to companies under false pretenses. These fraudsters exploit our name and reputation to deceive unsuspecting businesses, which is both frustrating and unacceptable.
This problem isn’t unique to us. Bad actors are targeting established news brands across the media industry, leveraging the trust these names carry to gain access to companies. One common scheme involves impersonating our reporters to extract sensitive business information. Scammers pose as real staff members, sending seemingly legitimate media inquiries about products and requesting introductory calls.
Some recipients spot red flags, such as mismatched email addresses, but these scams are becoming more sophisticated. Fraudsters refine their tactics, mimicking reporters’ writing styles and referencing startup trends to appear credible. Even worse, victims who agree to phone interviews report that scammers use these calls to dig for proprietary details.
The motive behind these schemes remains unclear, but it’s likely an attempt to gain initial access to networks. If someone claiming to be from TechCrunch contacts you and you have doubts, don’t take their word for it. Verify their identity by checking our staff page. If the person isn’t listed, it’s a scam.
Even if the name matches our roster, but the request seems suspicious—like a copy editor suddenly asking about your business—it’s a red flag. For additional confirmation, feel free to contact us directly. Each team member’s contact details are available in their bios.
We understand the inconvenience of verifying media inquiries, but vigilance is crucial. By taking these steps, you protect your company and help maintain the trust that legitimate journalists rely on.
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