BBB warns of gift card scam targeting employees with fake boss texts

The Better Business Bureau has issued a new warning for employees: If you receive a text message from your boss, manager or CEO asking you to buy gift cards, it might be a scam.

"Scammers find out where you work and pose as the CEO or other executive," said Cameron Nakashima with the BBB. "Be on guard and don't share money or information – be it your own or your company's."

Nakashima explained that scammers use personal information like names and workplace details to appear credible. Typically, the scammer claims to be in a meeting or on a conference call and requests urgent assistance. Common requests include purchasing gift cards, wiring funds, or sending sensitive information.

"This new version of the scam lures in targets by using a simple message. It will say something like, "Hi ____, let me know if you get this. -Boss name,'" Nakashima said. "The scam exploits employees' desire to be helpful and responsive to their superiors."

Victims have reported significant financial losses, with one recent example citing over $1,000 lost in gift cards. The scam not only causes financial harm but also potentially compromises company information.

To protect themselves, employees and businesses should be wary of unsolicited messages from unfamiliar numbers, even if they claim to be from known contacts.

"Double-check unusual requests by contacting the supposed sender through verified means," Nakashima advised. "Once you identify it as a scam, don't reply. Instead, just delete the message and block the number."

The BBB offers resources like ScamTracker for reporting scams and weekly Scam Alerts for staying informed. More information can be found at