'The Boss Needs Gift Cards' Request
A scammer posing as your boss urgently asks you to buy gift cards for 'client gifts' or 'rewards' and send the codes, claiming they're too busy to do it themselves.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
You get an email or text that looks like it's from your manager or a company executive asking you to quickly buy gift cards — for client gifts, employee rewards, or a surprise — and send back the card numbers and PINs, promising reimbursement. They stress they're in a meeting and can't call. The codes go straight to the scammer and the money is gone. No legitimate business errand requires you to buy gift cards and text the codes to your boss.
What it usually looks like
- A 'boss' asking you to buy gift cards urgently.
- A request to send the card numbers/PINs.
- A reason they can't call (in a meeting).
- A promise to reimburse you.
Common warning signs
- Any request to buy gift cards and share the codes.
- Urgency and secrecy from a 'manager.'
- A slightly-off email or a new number.
- Reimbursement promises.
Example wording scammers use
“Are you at your desk? I need you to grab five $200 gift cards for client rewards and text me the codes. I'm in a meeting — I'll reimburse you.”
“Keep this quiet, it's a surprise for the team.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Gift-card codes.
- To exploit your desire to help your boss.
- Secrecy so you don't verify.
What to do
- Verify with your manager in person or on a known number before buying anything.
- Treat any 'buy gift cards and send codes' request as a scam.
- Set a company policy against gift-card purchase requests by email/text.
- Report the message to IT/security.
What to do if you already responded
- Contact the gift-card issuers immediately to try to freeze balances.
- Tell your manager and security team.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov and ic3.gov.