Don't Get "Bossed" Around: The Rising Threat of CEO Text Scams & How to Stay Safe

All of us are used to receiving brief emails and texts from our superiors. Isn't it effective? However, a complex and frighteningly successful scam known as the CEO or Executive Impersonation Scam is mercilessly taking advantage of this same convenience. Imagine receiving a text from someone who appears to be your boss; they are aware of your name, your business, and even the name of your real boss. That's exactly why it's so dangerous—it feels so real. The vital first line of protection is your attentiveness.

How the "Boss" Scam Unfolds

Here’s the typical playbook:

• The Initial Hook: You receive a text from an unknown number. It might say something like: "Hi [Your Name], I'm tied up in a conference call right now. Let me know if you get this text. Thanks, [Your Boss's Name]." The use of your real details makes it startlingly credible.

• The urgent request: If you respond, the "boss" (who is actually a scammer) will ask for a "quick favor," frequently stressing urgency and confidentiality. Typical requests consist of:

               Acquiring gift cards (such as those from Visa, Apple, or eBay) as a "client" or "employee recognition."

               Transferring business funds to a new account or vendor.

               Sending private or confidential information.

• Plausibility and Pressure: The con artist fabricates a plausible situation by saying things like "It's confidential," "I need it done ASAP before the meeting ends," and "You'll be reimbursed immediately." They take advantage of your inclination to be helpful and obedient to authority.

Actual Repercussions: The Importance of Vigilance

Don't undervalue the effect. According to reports on BBB Scam Tracker, individuals have suffered large financial losses. One employee spent more than $1000 of their own money on Vanilla Visa cards because they thought their "boss" wanted surprise gift cards for staff members. They were told to provide images of the cards and receipts, but only after speaking with their actual supervisor did they discover it was a hoax. Their money was locked up forever while they froze the cards. The harm is exacerbated by the emotional toll and possible career consequences.

The con artists are experts at social engineering, playing on people's sense of urgency and trust. Sensitive information, gift card numbers, and money are nearly always lost once they are sent. Recuperation is challenging, if not impossible.

Protect Yourself: Your Vigilance Checklist

Staying safe requires constant awareness and a healthy dose of skepticism. Here's your action plan:

• Question Unsolicited Contacts: Be deeply suspicious of messages from unknown numbers, even if they claim to be someone you know. If your boss normally texts you, ensure their verified number is saved in your contacts.

• Red Flag Unusual Requests: This is paramount. If your boss has never asked you to buy gift cards, wire money, or share sensitive info via text, treat any such request – even from a saved number – as a potential scam. Scammers can sometimes spoof numbers!

• VERIFY, VERIFY, VERIFY: Never act based solely on a text request. If something feels off or comes from a strange number, contact your boss directly using their known, trusted phone number or email address. Say something like, "I just got a strange text request, was that you?" Double-checking is never rude; it's essential security.

• Don't Engage with Scammers: If you suspect a scam, DO NOT REPLY. Responding confirms your number is active, making you a target for more scams. Simply block the number and delete the message.

• Report Suspicious Activity: Inform your IT department, security team, or manager immediately. Report the scam attempt to the BBB Scam Tracker and the FTC.

Keep Your Workplace Safe from Scammers

Scams involving CEO impersonation serve as a clear reminder that cyberthreats frequently take advantage of human nature and are psychological in nature. You safeguard not just your own finances and identity but also the assets and reputation of your business by remaining watchful, asking questions when something seems out of the ordinary, and always confirming requests through reliable means.

Partner with Bayon Technologies Group for Proactive Security

Strong organizational security is your best line of defense, even while personal attention to detail is essential. Bayon Technologies Group offers complete cybersecurity solutions, like as network monitoring to identify suspicious activity, sophisticated email protection to block impersonation attempts, and employee training programs created especially to counteract social engineering crimes like CEO fraud.

Don't wait to become the next victim. To find out how we can assist you in creating a workplace that is safer and resistant to scams!

Remain vigilant, double-check everything, and safeguard what is important!