Beware of Fake TechCrunch Reporters: A Rising Scam Targeting Startups

A wave of sophisticated scams is hitting the tech industry. Impostors are pretending to be TechCrunch journalists to trick startups. They aim to steal sensitive business information and data.

The fraud has been escalating recently, according to TechCrunch’s own warnings. It exploits the trusted reputation of major news brands to gain initial access to companies.

How the TechCrunch Impersonation Scam Operates

The scam is highly organized. Bad actors create fake email domains that closely mimic legitimate TechCrunch addresses. They then contact companies, posing as reporters doing a story.

These fake journalists request introductory calls and interviews. They often reference real industry trends to sound credible. According to Axios, one red flag was a suspicious scheduling link shared by an impersonator.

During calls, they ask detailed questions about products and operations. Their goal is to extract proprietary information. TechCrunch states this activity aligns with known threat actors seeking data theft.

Protecting Your Business from Media Impersonation

Verification is the strongest defense against this threat. Always check the official TechCrunch staff page first. Confirm the contacting person’s name and role are listed there.

Be extremely wary of email addresses that look almost correct. TechCrunch has published a list of dozens of fake domains used recently. Examples include media-techcrunch[.]com and techcrunch-team[.]com.

If any doubt remains, contact the publication directly. Legitimate journalists will not mind you verifying their identity. This extra step protects your company’s sensitive data.

This rising impersonation scam is a serious threat to startup security. Vigilance and verification are essential tools for defense. Always confirm a reporter’s identity before sharing any confidential business information.

Info at your fingertips

How can I tell if a TechCrunch email is real?

Check the sender’s email domain carefully. Official TechCrunch emails come from @techcrunch.com. Any slight variation is a major red flag. Always cross-reference the contact name on the official staff page.

What information are these scammers after?

They typically seek sensitive business data, product roadmaps, or financial details. The goal is often account takeover or intellectual property theft. Their questions will probe for proprietary information during calls.

Has this happened to other news organizations?

Yes. TechCrunch reports this is an industry-wide issue. Fraudsters exploit the trust associated with all established media brands. They use similar tactics across different publications.

What should I do if I’ve already shared information?

Notify your IT and security teams immediately. Report the incident to the real publication and relevant authorities. Review your internal data access logs for any suspicious activity.

Why is this scam happening more now?

Scammers constantly refine their methods. They mimic writing styles and use current trends to sound authentic. Increased startup activity provides them with more potential targets.