Mobile Gift Card Scams

Gift card scams are becoming ever-present. Targets of these scams receive an email that looks like it came from an executive or CEO of the company asking them to purchase multiple gift cards for “business reasons.” The email usually states that the executive is in a meeting and needs the user to do this favor for them as soon as possible.

Recently, cybercriminals have begun using a new tactic where they ask for your cell phone number and then use even more pressuring tactics to have you complete the task. KnowBe4 points out that these scams have been around for a while. Here’s how it works: Scammers send an “urgent” email that appears to come from someone in authority. They create a sense of urgency by using subject lines such as “QUICK RESPONSE,” and they intimidate the recipient by saying:

“Give me your personal cell number. I need you to complete a task for me.” Once the phisher has the employee’s number, they put even more pressure on to complete the task before the employee has time to think. 

Don’t give in and hand these criminals your personal number and your organization’s money. Stop and think before you respond:

• Do you recognize the email address? Even if the email appears to be legitimate, question it.
• Do you usually receive requests like this or is this unusual? Call the executive or your supervisor to validate this request before responding or buying gift cards.