Gift card requests from “the boss”

It starts with a short message that seems to be from your manager or CEO: “Are you free? I need a favor.” Then comes the request to buy gift cards, for a client, a staff reward or a surprise, and send them the codes. The FTC says this is one of the most common workplace scams.

Signs to look for

• A request to buy gift cards and send photos of the codes
• A reason they can't talk: in a meeting, traveling or at a conference
• A request to keep it quiet, or to pay yourself and claim it back
• A text from an unknown number, or an email from an outside address

What to do

1. Stop. Anyone who asks you to pay with gift cards is a scammer.
2. Check with your manager in person, or on a number you already have.
3. Report the email in Outlook using Report > Report phishing.

Already bought or sent cards? Contact the gift card company straight away using the number on the back of the card or its website, keep the receipts, and call us on 707-755-8000.