Imagine getting an email that looks like it’s from your “boss,” asking you to buy gift cards out of your own pocket and send them immediately. They need it done right now. What do you do?
Unfortunately, this scenario is one of the most common workplace scams today. Cybercriminals know that urgency makes people act before they think. By posing as executives, HR reps, or managers, they pressure employees into buying gift cards, transferring money, or sharing sensitive data.
These scams can cost businesses thousands of dollars and erode employee trust—but the good news is, they’re also easy to stop once you know the red flags.
3 Ways to Protect Yourself from Gift Card Phishing Scams
- Look closely at the sender’s email address.
Just because the name says “CEO” doesn’t mean it’s real. Scammers often use look-alike domains (for example, grays0nds.com instead of graysonds.com). Always check that the sender’s address matches your company’s official domain. - Hover before you click.
Links may look legitimate but lead to malicious websites. Hover over them to preview the full URL. If it looks strange, misspelled, or redirects somewhere unexpected, don’t click. - Confirm through another channel.
When in doubt, pick up the phone or send a direct text. A quick call to your boss or HR can save you from sending money into the hands of a scammer.
Why These Scams Work
Hackers rely on psychology. Urgency, authority, and fear are powerful tools. When an employee believes an executive needs something “right now,” they’re less likely to double-check. By training yourself and your team to pause and verify, you take away the scammer’s biggest weapon: pressure.
Stay Sharp, Stay Safe
Gift card scams may sound obvious, but in the rush of a busy workday, even the most cautious employee can slip. Regular awareness training and clear reporting procedures go a long way in reducing risk across your business.
At Grayson Data Services, we help companies strengthen their defenses against phishing, social engineering, and data breaches. If you’d like to set up employee training, implement stronger email protections, or review your organization’s security posture, we’re here to help.
📩 ContactUs@GraysonDS.com | 🌐 graysonds.com
Don’t let urgency cloud your judgment. Slow down, double-check, and don’t take the bait. 🐟