Employee Scam

Job seekers are also targeted by scammers who post fake job listings online

WHAT IS AN EMPLOYEE SCAM?

An employee scam is a fraudulent activity where scammers target employees, often impersonating company executives or human resources, to manipulate them into providing sensitive information, transferring funds, or granting unauthorized access to company systems. These scams exploit trust and authority within the workplace and can occur through emails, phone calls, or text messages.

One common type is business email compromise (BEC), where a scammer pretends to be a high-level executive and requests urgent actions, such as wire transfers or confidential data. Another type is the payroll scam, where attackers trick employees into changing their direct deposit details, diverting their salary to the scammer's account.

Employee scams can result in financial losses, data breaches, or even reputational damage for the company. To prevent falling victim, employees should be cautious when receiving unsolicited requests, especially those that require urgent action or sharing sensitive information. Verifying the sender's identity through trusted channels and implementing security measures, such as multi-factor authentication, can help protect against employee scams.

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How to stay safe

Employee scams often involve emails or messages that appear to come from within your company but contain red flags such as unfamiliar email addresses, urgent requests for sensitive information, or grammatical errors. Scammers may also pose as HR, IT, or senior management and request login credentials, personal details, or fund transfers. Always verify the sender's identity before acting on such requests, and look for unusual signs, like generic greetings (e.g., "Dear Employee") or unexpected requests for confidential information.
If you suspect you’ve received a fraudulent email or message, avoid clicking any links or providing any information. Instead, contact your company’s IT or HR department to verify the legitimacy of the request. Report the suspicious activity immediately, and follow any security protocols your organization has in place, such as changing passwords or running a security scan. If a job offer seems suspicious, research the company thoroughly and contact them through official channels to verify the legitimacy of the offer
Falling for an employee scam can have serious consequences, such as unauthorized access to sensitive company data, financial losses from fraudulent transactions, or even identity theft. For companies, this could mean data breaches, compromised systems, or damaged reputations. On a personal level, scammers could use your compromised information to access your personal accounts or commit fraud in your name. Being vigilant and cautious can help prevent these outcomes.

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