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 reportfraud.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
Sources & Methodology : This alert is based on regular monitoring of national reporting platforms, feedback from victims, statements issued by the relevant authorities and other information available at the time of writing or the latest update. Its purpose is to identify the method used, the warning signs and the appropriate steps to take when faced with this type of fraud.
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.
Last updated : 10 March 2026.
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