The Internet Crime Complaint Center received an increase in the number of Business complaints requesting false requests to purchase gift cards. The victims receive either a spoofed email, a spoofed phone call or a spoofed text from a person in authority requesting the victim purchase multiple gift cards for personal or business reasons.
In a typical example, a victim receives a request from their management to purchase gift cards for a work related function or as a present for a special personal occasion. The gift cards are then used to facilitate the purchase of goods and services that are delivered to the perpetrator. A variety of sectors including technology, real estate, legal, medical, distribution and supply, and religious organizations have been targeted by this scam.
SUGGESTIONS FOR PROTECTION
Be mindful of any email, phone call or text messages requesting multiple gift cards even if the request is ordinary.
Beware of sudden changes in business or personal practices and carefully scrutinize all requests for multiple gift card purchases even if requests are ordinary.
From FBI.gov