Chinese state newspaper China Business Journal has warned companies about scammers who use the publication's name to extort cryptocurrency. According to the editorial office, unknown individuals are sending emails posing as newspaper employees. They demand Bitcoin transfers, threatening to publish compromising materials.
As reported by representatives of China Business Journal, the perpetrators send emails from Proton Mail addresses. The messages claim that during a confidential journalistic investigation, information was obtained that could damage the company's reputation. They then proposed transferring cryptocurrency to prevent the information from being published.
The editorial office stated it has no connection to such messages. The newspaper emphasized that it does not use such working methods, does not demand payment to refrain from publication, and does not engage in such negotiations with business representatives. All such letters should be regarded as a fraudulent scheme.
According to the publication's representatives, the perpetrators deliberately use the name of an authoritative state media outlet, aiming to gain the trust of potential victims. The main goal is to force companies to make hasty decisions under the threat of potential reputational damage.
China Business Journal reported that it has already begun gathering evidence of the illegal use of its brand. The editorial office is documenting cases of the mass mailings, analyzing the content of the letters, and preparing materials for submission to law enforcement agencies. The publication also reserved the right to seek civil and criminal liability against the organizers of the scheme.
The newspaper urged companies to carefully verify any communications supposedly made on its behalf, not to transfer cryptocurrency to unknown users, and to report such cases to the competent authorities. The editorial office emphasized that the newspaper will continue its investigation.
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