Alert : CEO Fraud and Fake Boss Scam

More and more employees receive emails or messages imitating their boss. With urgent and credible tone, scammers demand wire transfers or gift cards. Here’s how to spot and avoid this workplace fraud.

Fake boss fraud

The scam targets employees, especially new hires or remote workers. A fraudster impersonates a manager or executive and demands urgent action in the name of the company.

Modus operandi

The fraudster sends an email or message that looks authentic, mimicking the address or signature of a superior. The tone is urgent: buy gift cards, transfer money, or share confidential information. The goal is to make the victim act without verifying.
Signs: urgent or unusual message, confidentiality request, slightly altered email address, unusual style errors.

Some tips:

• 🔍 Always check the sender’s full email address.
• 📞 Confirm by phone or in person any unusual financial request.
• 🚫 Refuse urgent requests that bypass usual procedures.
• 💬 Raise awareness among your colleagues about this scam.
• 📢 Immediately notify your IT or security team if you receive a suspicious message.

Conclusion

Never process a transfer or purchase just because of an email request. Report any attempt to actionfraud.police.uk and inform your colleagues to prevent more victims.
For more guidance, read our full guide:
Frauds, Scams and How to Protect Yourself!

Written by : René Ronse
Methodology : Our alert articles are based on regular monitoring of national reporting platforms, feedback from victims, and statements issued by relevant authorities.
About the author : René Ronse, manager of ArnaqueOuFiable.com. Expert in consumer cybersecurity, specialist in detecting online fraud, product transparency, and digital compliance. He has over 20 years of experience analyzing hidden subscription mechanisms, unreadable terms and conditions, aggressive sales tactics, and deceptive commercial practices on the web.
Sources : bankesb.com | kaspersky.com | att.com
Last updated : 24 September 2025.
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