We have recently come across a new variation on the gift card scam. In the past it was always a vague urgent need.
Now it has appeared under the guise of wanting to setup an employee incentive program. A sample with changed addresses is below.
From: [Co Principle] <infosms@messegingverizontextmobil.com>
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2023 9:36 AM
To: [Office Admin]<officeadmin@yourcompany.com>
Subject:
[Office Admin],
I am thinking of implementing an Employee Incentive Program to show our employees we care about them. I would like to surprise them and put a smile on their faces today. Can we purchase some cards (/Walmart/Target/Apple) from the store?
Reply and let me know how soon you can get this done and which of the cards you can easily buy at the store. Keep this surprise package confidential until we give it out to them.
Thanks,
[Co Principle]
—
Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Device
The same rules apply no matter what the rationale; NO ONE FROM YOUR COMPANY SHOULD EVER BE ASKING YOU TO BUY GIFT CARDS!