The Phantom Pitch: Scammers Masquerading as TechCrunch to Exploit Startups

In the fast-paced world of tech startups, where a single feature in a prominent publication can catapult a company to fame and fortune, scammers are increasingly exploiting this vulnerability. Fraudsters posing as reporters and event organizers from TechCrunch have been reaching out to companies, promising coverage or invitations to high-profile events. This isn’t a new tactic, but its persistence and sophistication in 2025 highlight a growing threat in the digital ecosystem. According to a recent alert from TechCrunch itself, these impersonators are using fake emails, social media profiles, and even AI-generated communications to build credibility.

The scheme typically begins with an unsolicited email or LinkedIn message claiming to be from a TechCrunch staffer. They might offer to feature the company in an article, invite executives to speak at Disrupt or another event, or propose a partnership. But the endgame is often to extract sensitive information, solicit payments for nonexistent services, or install malware. TechCrunch reported in its November 21, 2025, article that this issue has been ongoing, with a previous warning issued in August. The publication emphasizes that it never charges for editorial coverage or event participation beyond standard fees, a key red flag for recipients.

Companies, especially startups hungry for visibility, are prime targets. One anonymous founder shared with Yahoo Finance how they nearly fell for a pitch that requested proprietary data under the guise of research for an upcoming story. The email looked legitimate, complete with a signature mimicking TechCrunch’s style. Only after verifying through official channels did they realize it was a scam.

Anatomy of the Deception

These impersonation scams leverage the trust associated with established media brands. Scammers create email addresses that closely resemble official ones, such as using domains like “techcrunch-events.com” instead of the genuine “techcrunch.com.” They often reference real TechCrunch articles or events to add authenticity. In some cases, AI tools are employed to generate personalized messages or even deepfake videos, as noted in a WebProNews report from August 2025, which linked the surge to a 148% increase in AI-fueled fraud, resulting in over $745 million in losses.

Broader trends in cybersecurity reveal this is part of a larger wave. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) from users like security experts highlight similar tactics in other industries, such as fake recruiter outreach leading to malware installation. For instance, discussions on X describe how attackers hijack trusted brands to mass-email targets, automate follow-ups with language models, and push downloads of malicious software. This mirrors warnings from TechCrunch about scammers impersonating event leads to trick companies into sharing confidential information.

TechCrunch has taken proactive steps to combat this. In their latest update, they advise companies to verify any outreach by contacting them directly through official channels listed on their website. They’ve also reported incidents to authorities and are working with email providers to flag suspicious domains. However, the decentralized nature of the internet makes complete eradication challenging.

The Broader Cyber Threat Landscape

The implications extend beyond individual companies. This scam erodes trust in media and tech ecosystems, potentially making legitimate journalists’ jobs harder. As TradingView News explained in a piece on Cointelegraph impersonators, fake accounts on platforms like Telegram and LinkedIn offer “Tier-1 PR” services, only to demand payments in cryptocurrency. In 2025, with AI making deepfakes more convincing, such frauds have escalated, as evidenced by a $25 million deepfake scam reported on X involving impersonated company executives.

Industry insiders point to the role of generative AI in amplifying these threats. A post on X from a cybersecurity researcher detailed how scammers use AI to mimic voices and manipulate caller IDs, leading to remote access takeovers. This aligns with reports from KOLD News, which noted a rise in job scams where AI crafts convincing fake offers, preying on job seekers and companies alike.

For startups, the financial and reputational damage can be severe. Losing sensitive data could lead to intellectual property theft, while paying for fake services drains resources. Experts recommend implementing verification protocols, such as cross-checking sender domains and avoiding unsolicited downloads.

Strategies for Defense and Future Outlook

To counter these threats, companies are advised to educate employees on scam indicators. TechCrunch’s guidelines include checking for official email addresses ending in “@techcrunch.com” and being wary of any requests for payment or data. Multi-factor authentication and AI-detection tools are also gaining traction, as discussed in various X threads on cybersecurity.

Collaboration between media outlets, tech firms, and law enforcement is crucial. TechCrunch’s ongoing alerts, echoed by publications like BizToc, serve as public service announcements, raising awareness. Yet, as scams evolve, so must defenses—perhaps through blockchain-verified identities or AI-powered fraud detection.

Looking ahead, the tech industry must prioritize ethical AI use to prevent misuse. Regulators are stepping in, with calls for stricter controls on deepfake technology. For now, vigilance remains the best defense against these phantom pitches that threaten to undermine the innovation TechCrunch champions.

Evolving Tactics in a Digital Age

Scammers aren’t limiting themselves to email; social engineering via phone or video calls is on the rise. A notable X post recounted a deepfake attack on a crypto executive, where fraudsters used AI-generated videos to solicit script installations. This tactic has infiltrated corporate outreach, with impersonators posing as TechCrunch to extract investments or data.

The economic impact is staggering. According to WebProNews, losses from impersonation fraud topped $745 million in 2025 alone, a figure corroborated by industry analyses. Startups, often under-resourced in cybersecurity, bear the brunt, facing potential shutdowns from a single breach.

Prevention starts with skepticism. As one X user aptly put it, “Hijack a trusted brand to gain instant credibility”—a reminder to always verify. TechCrunch encourages reporting suspicious contacts, fostering a community-driven approach to security.

Industry Responses and Lessons Learned

Major players are responding. Polygon Foundation’s CEO shared on X about deepfake scams targeting his network, urging awareness. Such transparency helps demystify tactics and empowers others.

Educational initiatives are key. Workshops on spotting fakes, sponsored by outlets like TechCrunch, could become standard. Integrating scam awareness into startup incubators might mitigate risks.

Ultimately, this scam underscores the double-edged sword of technology: while it enables innovation, it also arms fraudsters. By staying informed and proactive, the tech community can safeguard its future against these insidious threats.