The scam involved the use of Manila Bulletin's top executive's name, attempting to lend credibility to the fraudulent request.
The scammer employed email communication, masquerading as an urgent request from the executive, aiming to trick the author into purchasing and sending gift card codes.
Bob Reyes, a seasoned tech guy, recognized the scam due to the unusual email address used by the scammer, which differed from the executive's official or personal email accounts.
This incident serves as an example of a gift card scam, where scammers seek to obtain gift card codes under false pretenses, exploiting the difficulty of tracing and recovering the funds.
The importance of verifying the legitimacy of requests for financial transactions or sensitive information, especially when they use the guise of urgency or authority, to protect against falling victim to such scams.
Manila Bulletin executive impersonated in sophisticated gift card scam attempt
A cautionary tale unfolds as the MB Chairman's name is used in an elaborate scam, highlighting the importance of vigilance in the digital age.
At a glance
Picture this: you’re casually scrolling through your email inbox, sipping your lukewarm coffee, when suddenly, a message from the top brass himself, or so it seems. Your heart skips a beat — could it be? Is the big boss really reaching out to you personally, asking for a favor?
Sure, it might look like the big boss’ name (he’s our big boss at the Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp.), but take a closer look at the email address. Why is he not using his office email or his personal account? Congratulations, Bob! You’ve just uncovered the scammer’s attempt at disguise — to the scammer: nice try, buddy.
I have some spare time today, so let’s play with this scammer.
(The scammer was so clueless that the photos I sent him were just taken from Google’s Image search…)
So, this is a Gift Card Scam attempt. A gift card scam is a type of fraud where scammers attempt to trick individuals or businesses into providing them with gift card codes, which can then be redeemed for the card’s cash value. These scams have become increasingly prevalent due to the ease with which scammers can monetize the stolen codes and the difficulty of tracing these transactions. Unlike traditional payment methods, gift card transactions often leave little to no paper trail, making it challenging to track and recover the stolen funds.
Scammers often pose as authority figures, such as executives, government officials, or tech support personnel. They might send emails and messages (email and WhatsApp in my case), or make phone calls claiming there is an urgent matter that requires immediate action. They create a sense of urgency, pressuring the target to act quickly without thinking. They might claim that immediate action is necessary to prevent a financial loss, legal consequences, or a security breach. These crooks may go to great lengths to make their messages appear legitimate, such as using official-sounding language or even spoofing phone numbers to mimic trusted contacts.
How to protect yourself from being a victim of a gift card scam?
It’s essential to exercise caution when dealing with unexpected communications that convey a heightened sense of urgency. When faced with requests for help or payment from purported authority figures, always verify the legitimacy of such requests by using established and recognized contact details. It is crucial never to divulge gift card codes or PINs to individuals unless there is explicit trust in their credibility. In addition, it is advisable to educate your colleagues and employees about the potential risks associated with gift card scams, particularly within a business or organizational setting. Awareness and vigilance play key roles in safeguarding against falling victim to these deceptive schemes. Remember, legitimate organizations and authorities do not demand payment in the form of gift cards. If you encounter such a request, it’s a strong indication of a potential scam. Be safe (and wise) online.