High riskText Message Scams

Fake Boss Text Scam

This scam sends a text claiming to be your manager or CEO from a new or personal number, urgently and discreetly asking you to buy gift cards, make a payment or share information, relying on your respect for authority to skip the usual checks.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Impersonation scam
Main red flag
A 'manager' messaging from an unknown number with an urgent, secret request involving money or gift cards.
What to do first
Do not act on the text. Verify it by contacting your manager through a number or channel you already know.

What this scam usually looks like

This scam sends a text claiming to be your manager or CEO from a new or personal number, urgently and discreetly asking you to buy gift cards, make a payment or share information, relying on your respect for authority to skip the usual checks.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Hi, it's [manager name]. I'm in a meeting and can't take calls. I need you to buy some gift cards for a client urgently and send me the codes. Keep this between us for now.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • A message from a new or personal number claiming to be a senior colleague
  • Urgency combined with a request to keep the matter quiet or 'discreet'
  • A request to buy gift cards and send the codes, or to make a fast payment
  • An excuse for why they cannot talk, such as being in a meeting or travelling
  • Pressure to bypass your normal approval or verification process

What to do

  • Do not buy anything or send money based on the text
  • Verify the request by calling your manager on a known, trusted number
  • Report the message to your IT or security team if it relates to work
  • Block the sender and warn colleagues who may receive the same message

If you already clicked or replied

  • Stop any further action and do not buy or send anything more
  • If you bought gift cards, contact the card issuer immediately to try to freeze the balance
  • If you sent a payment, contact your bank right away to report it
  • Report the incident to your employer's IT or security team so others can be warned

What not to do

  • Do not buy gift cards or share their codes
  • Do not keep the request secret from your team
  • Do not reply with company or personal information

Similar scams

High risk Email

CEO Fraud Scam

CEO fraud, a form of business email compromise, involves a scammer pretending to be a senior leader and pressuring an employee to move money or buy gift cards quickly and quietly. The email often mimics the executive's name and writing style, claims they are busy or travelling, and stresses secrecy. Because it exploits authority and urgency, even careful staff can be caught out. Slowing down and verifying any unusual payment request through a known channel is the most reliable defence.
High risk Bank & Payment

Payroll Direct Deposit Scam

In this scam, a fraudster emails an employer's HR or payroll team while pretending to be an employee and asks to update their direct-deposit bank details, diverting the next paycheck to the scammer's account.
High risk Text Message

Two-Factor Code Text Scam

In this scam a fraudster triggers a genuine two-factor or one-time code to your phone, then poses as support staff or a contact to pressure you into reading it back so they can take over your account.

Frequently asked questions

Why would the message come from an unknown number?
Scammers often claim the boss has a 'new' or 'personal' phone to explain the unfamiliar number. A senior colleague making an unusual money request from an unknown number is a common impersonation pattern.
Why do these scams ask for gift cards?
Gift card codes are fast to spend and hard to trace or reverse, which is why scammers favour them. A genuine business expense is rarely handled through gift cards bought by an employee.
What if my real manager sometimes does message me?
Even then, an urgent and secretive money request is worth verifying. A quick call to a known number costs little and protects you if the message is not really from them.
I already sent the gift card codes. What now?
Contact the gift card issuer immediately to report the codes and ask whether the funds can be frozen, then tell your employer and your bank. Acting quickly gives the best chance of limiting any loss.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.