Kimberley RCMP is reporting a scam people need to know about.

Did you get an email from your boss asking you for a favour? Does your boss need you to buy gift cards to help him out because he is tied up and can’t do it himself?

Before you do anything ask yourself: is that really your boss? It could be a scammer trying to get your money, Kimberley RCMP noted on social media.

Here’s how it can play out.

“The scammer sends you an email impersonating your boss, either using a spoofed email address, or by hacking into their account. They then make up a story about needing your help with something — an office surprise party, a company event, even a simple errand. Whatever the reason, they’ll ask you to help by buying gift cards, promising to pay you back later. But once you hand over the gift card number and PIN, the money is gone,” police outlined.

If you get an unexpected email from your boss asking for this kind of help:

• Don’t pay for anything with a gift card. Gift cards are for gifts, not for payments. If anyone asks you to pay with a gift card, it’s a scam.
• Double-check with your supervisor. Call your boss using a known number — not something that was written in the email.

“Above all don’t give gift card numbers out by email or text. Once you do that the money is gone for good,” RCMP warn.

e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

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