By Vicky Sidler | Published 19 September 2025 at 12:00 GMT+2

You know things are getting serious when LinkedIn starts showing people the door.

Over the last few months, several lead generation companies—Apollo, Seamless, Evaboot, LGM—have mysteriously disappeared from LinkedIn. Their pages are gone. Their Chrome extensions? Quietly axed. One by one, they’ve been booted from the party for breaking the house rules. Specifically, LinkedIn’s rule about scraping data.

If your business relies on LinkedIn to find leads or power outreach tools, this little platform drama isn’t just gossip. It’s a warning.

According to MarTech, LinkedIn is tightening the reins on third-party tools that pull user data without permission. That might sound like a tech issue. It’s not. It’s a marketing issue, a trust issue, and potentially a major headache for small business owners.

TL;DR:

• LinkedIn has started removing companies that scrape its user data

• Tools like Apollo, Seamless, Evaboot, and LGM no longer appear on LinkedIn

• This crackdown affects Chrome extensions many B2B sales teams rely on

• Using scraping tools may violate LinkedIn’s terms of service, even indirectly

• If your lead gen strategy depends on automation, now’s the time to rethink

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Table of Contents:

What Did These Tools Actually Do?

Let’s break it down.

Companies like Apollo.io and Evaboot built Chrome extensions that made it easier to copy contact data from LinkedIn. The goal? Help salespeople build prospect lists fast.

But LinkedIn didn’t like that. Its business model depends on people paying for access, not automating their way around the paywall. So it started pushing back.

Apollo vanished from search results. Evaboot stopped showing up. Seamless and LGM went dark. The message from LinkedIn was clear: stop taking our data without asking.

For context, Apollo even redesigned its website after the takedown and removed any mention of LinkedIn prospecting.

What Does This Mean for Small Business Owners?

If you’ve never heard of these tools, you might think this doesn’t apply to you. But here’s where it gets tricky.

A lot of outsourced lead gen providers use tools like this behind the scenes. That “done-for-you” service you hired to fill your calendar with sales calls? There’s a good chance they were using scraped LinkedIn data to do it.

Now that the rules are changing, those providers might disappear—or get desperate. Which could lead to:

• Vanishing campaigns

• Lower-quality leads

• Or worse, your own LinkedIn account being flagged for suspicious activity

If someone scrapes LinkedIn on your behalf, you still carry the risk. Ignorance won’t save you if the platform sees you as part of the problem.

LinkedIn’s Not New to This Fight:

This isn’t the first time LinkedIn has gone after companies scraping its data.

In 2022, it sued a Singapore-based startup called Mantheos and won. Around the same time, it also took on hiQ Labs—a legal fight that’s still making its way through appeals. It’s been clear for years that LinkedIn sees scraping as a threat, not a clever workaround.

So this new wave of takedowns? It’s not random. It’s part of a broader trend to protect data ownership, platform integrity, and subscription revenue.

And in case you were wondering, yes, LinkedIn is owned by Microsoft. So when they say "terms of service," they mean business.

Should You Panic?

No. But you should definitely pause and audit your lead gen process.

If your current system includes:

• Chrome extensions for LinkedIn outreach

• Tools that “pull” email addresses from LinkedIn

• Providers who can’t explain where their data comes from

Then you might be building your growth on shaky ground.

Here’s what to do instead.

A Better Way to Do Lead Gen on LinkedIn:

You don’t need sketchy tools to succeed on LinkedIn. You just need a clear message, a consistent approach, and the patience to build relationships.

As a StoryBrand Certified Guide and Duct Tape Marketing Strategist, here’s what I recommend:

1. Write a One-Liner That Opens Doors:

If you can’t explain what you do in one clear sentence, people won’t remember you. Use the 5-Minute Marketing Fix to nail this.

2. Build a Quality Profile:

Optimise your headline, bio, and banner. Make it clear what problem you solve and who you serve. No fluff. No buzzwords.

3. Engage First, Pitch Later:

Comment on other people’s posts. Send genuine connection requests. Start conversations that don’t end in “Let me know if you need leads.”

4. Create Real Content:

Post helpful insights. Answer common questions. Share results. When people see you showing up with value, they come to you.

5. Use Tools That Respect the Rules:

There are plenty of legit CRM and outreach tools that integrate with LinkedIn without violating terms. If it feels sneaky, it probably is.

The Real Risk Isn’t LinkedIn—It’s Lazy Marketing:

Shortcuts are tempting. But when they blow up, they don’t just waste time. They burn trust.

If you’re relying on scraped data to start relationships, those relationships are built on sand.

The real competitive edge today? Clarity. Honesty. Consistency.

So instead of playing whack-a-mole with Chrome extensions, spend five minutes sharpening your message.

👉 Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix here

Because in a world of disappearing lead gen tools, the best tool is still a clear, compelling sentence that builds trust on every platform.

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AI Replacing Humans Backfires—What CEOs Miss

LinkedIn cracking down on automation is just one example. This article breaks down real cases where businesses tried to replace human connection with bots—and ended up paying the price.

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FAQs on LinkedIn’s Crackdown and Lead Gen Tools

What did Apollo, Seamless, and others do wrong?

They used Chrome extensions to pull contact data directly from LinkedIn without permission. This goes against LinkedIn’s terms of service, which ban third-party tools from scraping user data.

Why is LinkedIn removing lead gen companies now?

LinkedIn has always tried to stop data scraping, but it’s ramping up enforcement. The goal is to protect user privacy and keep people paying for premium access instead of using unofficial tools to get around the system.

What is data scraping, and why does it matter?

Scraping means automatically collecting information from websites, usually with bots or browser extensions. The problem is that it often violates platform rules and can expose users to privacy and security risks.

Will this affect my business if I don’t use these tools directly?

Yes. Even if you’re not scraping data yourself, your outsourced lead gen provider might be. If they get blocked or banned, your campaigns could vanish overnight—and your LinkedIn account might be at risk too.

How can I tell if my lead gen service uses scraping tools?

Ask them directly how they collect data. If they’re vague, evasive, or mention tools that sound like “browser extensions” or “LinkedIn scrapers,” that’s a red flag. Legitimate providers will be transparent about their methods.

What’s a safer way to generate leads on LinkedIn?

Start with a clear message, build a strong profile, engage with real people, and post helpful content. Use tools that integrate with LinkedIn through official channels. Avoid anything that feels like a shortcut.

Should I delete any Chrome extensions I’m using for LinkedIn?

If the extension pulls data, autofills messages, or automates activity on your behalf, yes. LinkedIn can track this activity, and your account could be restricted or banned if you're caught using unsupported tools.

How do I make sure my LinkedIn lead gen is compliant?

Use LinkedIn’s built-in tools like Sales Navigator. Don’t scrape data. Don’t spam people. And don’t outsource your outreach to services that can’t tell you exactly how they operate.

What’s the best way to improve my lead generation without breaking the rules?

Start with your message. If your pitch is clear and targeted, you won’t need to spray and pray.Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix to craft a one-liner that earns attention the right way.