Identifying Impersonation Scams
Have you ever gotten an urgent message from a "family member" asking for money? Or perhaps an email from your "manager" with an immediate request to buy gift cards? These are common examples of impersonation scams. Unlike many phishing emails, these messages often skip the malicious links and rely on pressure and manipulation.
Example 1: The "Manager" Scam. An employee received an email that appeared to be from her company's CEO, instructing her to buy several gift cards for a client. The email explained that the CEO was traveling and could not do it, promising to reimburse her later. The sense of urgency and the request from a person in authority almost worked, but the employee remembered it was against company policy. She called her boss directly and confirmed it was a scam.
Example 2: The "Relative in Distress" Scam. A man received a call from someone who claimed to be his grandson. The caller said he was in trouble and needed money wired to him, pleading with the man not to tell his parents. The emotional appeal and the request for secrecy are common manipulation tactics. The man felt worried but called his son first, who confirmed the grandson was safe at home.
How to Stay Safe:
- Confirm Independently: Use a trusted phone number or contact method to get in touch with the person directly and verify the request. Do not use contact information provided in the suspicious message.
- Be Wary of Urgency: Scammers invent false deadlines to rush you. Pause and think, especially if a request is unusual.
- Notice Unusual Payment Methods: Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency are red flags. Legitimate businesses and individuals rarely use these for unexpected needs.
- Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels strange or pressured, it is likely a scam.