Workplace scams are evolving. One of the most common types targeting employees today is CEO fraud, where cybercriminals impersonate company executives via email, messaging apps, or even phone calls to trick team members into sending money or sensitive data.
Whether you work in HR, finance, sales, marketing, operations, or product, it’s critical to know how these scams operate, and how to protect yourself.
📦 What Is Executive Impersonation Fraud?
These scams typically involve someone pretending to be your boss or another senior executive. They might send a message asking you to:
- Purchase and send gift cards (e.g., Amazon or Apple)
- Transfer funds urgently for a “confidential” project
- Share login credentials or internal documents
At Techsouogy, we’ve seen scammers create fake WhatsApp accounts using the CEO’s name and profile picture, then message employees with urgent-sounding requests.
⚠️ Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Unusual or urgent requests: “Can you buy $500 in Apple gift cards right now?” That’s not standard operating procedure.
- Messages from unknown email addresses or phone numbers: Check the sender. Legitimate messages should come from official company channels.
- Poor grammar or inconsistent tone: These messages often feel “off.” Trust your instincts.
🛡️ How to Stay Safe
- Slow down: Scammers rely on urgency to lower your guard.
- Verify requests through official channels: Call or message the person through Slack or company email before taking action.
- Never share passwords or 2FA codes: No legitimate executive will ask you for access codes.
- Report suspicious activity: Take a screenshot and notify IT or HR immediately.
By staying alert, employees can be the first line of defense in protecting themselves, and the company, from falling into a scammer’s trap.