New Job Scam: Boss Imposters

After landing a new job, some consumers may be eager to share the good news on social media – but doing so could put them at risk of a ‘boss imposter’ scam.

Here’s how the scam works: Soon after getting hired and possibly even before they start their job, a recently hired employee is contacted by their new boss. The boss has an urgent request but is secretly a scammer impersonating the employee’s real boss. This message may be sent via text, email, or even social media, and could be as simple as saying “Hi, this is [name], text me back when you get a chance” or a convincing, formal email including a real-looking signature matching the real company’s format and the real boss’s name and title.

The “boss” may ask the employee to purchase gift cards and provide the card numbers to the “company,” or ask for private financial or personal information needed to confirm their employment. The scammer is relying on the new employee being unfamiliar with the new workplace, eager to please their boss, and unlikely to ask questions – even if the request sounds suspicious.

Consumers can avoid the boss imposter scam by remembering these tips:

· Only scammers will ask new employees to send them gift cards. Don’t share card details, numbers, or PINs. Gift cards are for giving as a gift, and only scammers will ask someone to send gift cards to their new employer.

· Don’t share private information if the request is unexpected or unusual. An employer might need a new worker’s Social Security or bank account number, but they won’t ask for it to be sent in an unsecured message.

· Pay attention to how a contact is initiated. Consider if it is unusual for a new boss to reach out after hours, or to a personal email or social media account vs. a professional or employer-managed one.

· Pause, investigate, and verify before acting. Consumers with doubts should talk to someone they trust before taking action. They should consider contacting their new boss in a way they know is real – not in direct response to the suspicious call, text, or email they received.

· Follow workplace policy and procedures. These are put in place by employers to protect themselves and their employees. When in doubt, refer to these materials and reach out to a verified contact at the company with questions or concerns.