CBJ Warns Companies of Extortion Attempts via Impersonated Emails

China's China Business Journal (CBJ) has sounded an alarm about a series of extortion attempts made by individuals impersonating its publication. The scammers sent emails to companies, falsely claiming that CBJ had uncovered damaging information and demanded Bitcoin payments to prevent publication.

The emails were not authorized by the newspaper, which emphasized that it follows official channels for reporting and source contact. CBJ stressed that the demand for Bitcoin was a clear warning sign of impersonation rather than legitimate journalistic outreach.

CBJ is monitoring the incidents, collecting evidence, and reserving the right to pursue civil and criminal liability. Companies receiving similar messages are advised not to transfer funds and to report the matter to local police, making rapid verification and evidence retention the immediate defensive response.