Boss gift card text scam
Scammers pretend to be your boss, pastor, or a manager, texting from a new number. They say they are busy in a meeting and need you to buy gift cards quickly and send the codes.
How this scam works
Wanting to help someone in charge makes you act fast. Once you send the codes, the money is gone.
Common versions of the message
- A "boss" who cannot talk
- Gift cards for clients or staff
- A request to keep it quiet
What the message looks like
Text from Unknown number
Hi, it's David. I'm in a meeting and can't talk. I need you to buy 5 Apple gift cards for a client today, $200 each. Scratch the back and send me photos of the codes. Keep this between us for now, it's a surprise.
Fictional example based on common, publicly reported scam patterns.
The red flags
- 1
Cannot call: “I'm in a meeting and can't talk”
So you cannot check it is really them
Saying they cannot talk stops you from checking it is really them.
- 2
Gift cards: “buy 5 Apple gift cards”
No real boss pays clients in gift cards
No real business pays clients in gift cards bought by staff.
- 3
Send the codes: “send me photos of the codes”
Once sent, the money is gone
Sending the card codes hands over the money.
- 4
Keep it secret: “Keep this between us”
Secrecy stops coworkers from warning you
Secrecy keeps coworkers from warning you.
What to do
- Call your boss on the number you already have.
- Do not buy gift cards or send codes.
- Warn coworkers and your IT or office manager.
If you already replied, clicked, or paid
- If you sent codes, contact the gift card company right away with your receipts.
- Tell your employer so they can warn others.
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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