‘Fake boss’ scam targets employees: North Vancouver RCMP

Police in North Vancouver are warning the public of an elaborate “fake boss” scam that targets employees.

According to the North Vancouver RCMP, scammers pretend to be an employee’s supervisor and then request the employee to purchase a gift card for them.

Mounties say officers are investigating this type of scam after a civilian employee in their detachment was targeted.

The RCMP says scammers search high-ranking managers online to get information on names, emails, job titles, phone numbers, and other important information.

They then use the information to hack into a supervisor’s business account or create similar email domains, some also create fake email accounts and pretend to use their “personal” emails.

Police say the scammers can also use a phone number from the employee’s area code and reach victims by text.

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According to police, gift cards are like cash for criminals. Gift cards don’t leave a money trail and don’t offer similar protection that credit and debit cards have.

Police are reminding the public that no legitimate business or government agency will insist on paying employees with a gift card.

Scammers also prey on victims emotions by creating a sense of urgency, police say, especially when employees think that a supervisor is on the other end.

Mounties recommend creating a warning message for all external emails coming into company inboxes. Police also recommends businesses to provide phishing awareness training programs for employees.

Anyone who has been a victim of these types of scams are asked to contact local police.