The message usually arrives when you’re busy. A quick email. A casual text. Sometimes it even looks urgent — “Hey, are you free? I need a favor.”
Related Page: The Top Scams and Fraud Threats to Watch for in 2026 (and How to Protect Yourself)
And just like that, thousands of dollars can disappear in minutes.
Gift card scams impersonating bosses, coworkers, and business leaders are one of the fastest-growing fraud tactics in the U.S. They don’t rely on sophisticated hacking. They rely on trust, urgency, and the fact that most of us want to be helpful.
At our community bank, we see the fallout far too often. Let’s talk about how these scams work, how to spot the red flags, and what to do if you—or someone you work with—gets targeted.
What Is the “Boss Gift Card” Scam?
The scam is simple. And that’s why it works.
A fraudster pretends to be your boss, company owner, or senior leader. They reach out via email, text message, or even social media. The request sounds reasonable at first—until it isn’t.
How the scam typically unfolds
- You receive a message that appears to come from your boss
- They say they’re tied up in a meeting or unavailable to talk
- They ask you to buy gift cards quickly—for a client, employee reward, or “urgent need”
- They request the gift card numbers and PINs be sent by text or email
Once those numbers are sent, the money is gone. Gift cards are essentially cash, and they’re nearly impossible to recover.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers lost hundreds of millions of dollars to gift card scams in recent years—more than any other payment method used by fraudsters.
Why These Scams Are So Effective
Gift card scams aren’t random. They’re carefully engineered.
They exploit workplace trust
Scammers often gather information from LinkedIn, company websites, and social media. They know who reports to whom. They know names, titles, even vacation schedules.
When a request comes from “your boss,” your guard drops.
They create urgency
Phrases like “I need this ASAP” or “Please don’t call—I’m in a meeting” are designed to stop you from verifying the request.
Urgency is the scammer’s best friend.
They avoid normal company processes
Real businesses don’t pay vendors, clients, or employees with gift cards. Ever. That alone should raise a red flag.
Common Red Flags to Watch For
If you see any of these signs, stop immediately.
🚩 Unusual payment requests
No legitimate employer will ask you to:
- Buy gift cards
- Share gift card numbers or PINs
- Send photos of gift cards
🚩 Messages that feel “off”
- Slight misspellings or awkward phrasing
- A different email address or phone number than usual
- Requests sent outside normal business hours
🚩 Pressure to keep it quiet
Scammers often say things like:
- “This is confidential.”
- “I’ll explain later.”
- “Just trust me on this.”
Silence benefits them—not you.
What To Do If You Receive a Suspicious Request
Pause. That’s the most important step.
Verify using a second method
Call your boss directly. Walk down the hall. Send a new email—not a reply—to a known address. If it’s real, they’ll appreciate you checking.
Do not buy the gift cards
Even if you’re unsure, don’t proceed. Once purchased, the funds are almost always unrecoverable.
Report it internally
Let your company’s IT or HR team know. You might not be the only one being targeted.
What If You’ve Already Bought the Gift Cards?
Act fast. Minutes matter.
- Contact the gift card issuer immediately
Some issuers can freeze funds if reported quickly. - Report the scam to the FTC
File a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. - Notify your bank
While banks can’t reverse gift card losses, we can help document the fraud, monitor your accounts, and protect you from follow-up scams.
How Businesses Can Reduce the Risk
Fraud prevention isn’t just personal—it’s organizational.
Set clear internal policies
Make it explicit: no gift cards, no exceptions.
Train employees regularly
Short reminders go a long way. Especially for new hires.
Encourage a “verify first” culture
No one should feel awkward double-checking a request involving money. Ever.
The FTC offers excellent workplace resources, including scam alerts and prevention guides, at consumer.ftc.gov.
Why Community Awareness Matters
Scams don’t just impact individuals. They affect workplaces, families, and entire communities.
At a community bank, we don’t just process transactions—we see patterns. We hear the stories. And we believe education is one of the strongest tools we have to protect our neighbors.
If this article helps one person pause before buying a stack of gift cards, it’s worth it.
If you ever receive a request that doesn’t feel right, call us. Stop by. Ask the question. We’re here to help you protect what you’ve worked hard for—and to keep our community informed, alert, and connected.
That’s what neighbors do.
