In the wild west of tech journalism, a sinister game of digital cat and mouse is unfolding. Scammers are getting bolder by the day, crafting elaborate schemes to impersonate legitimate tech reporters and con unsuspecting companies out of sensitive information.

The Scammer’s Playbook

These digital fraudsters are pulling off a con that would make Ocean’s Eleven look like amateur hour. By mimicking the writing styles of actual journalists and referencing current startup trends, they’re creating pitch-perfect fake media inquiries designed to slip past even the most vigilant corporate gatekeepers.

How They Do It

The most common tactic? Impersonating reporters and requesting introductory calls. Once they’ve got a company on the line, they dig for proprietary details with surgical precision. Some victims have reported getting calls from “journalists” who sound eerily convincing, complete with industry jargon and insider knowledge.

Protecting Your Company

Here’s the defense strategy: always verify. Check staff rosters, cross-reference email addresses, and when in doubt, contact the publication directly. These scammers are counting on your laziness - don’t give them the satisfaction. By being skeptical and thorough, you’re not just protecting your company, you’re preserving the integrity of tech journalism.