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Information Security
YOUR SOURCE FOR IMPROVING INFORMATION SECURITY FOR YOURSELF AND OUR CES COMMUNITY.

GIFT CARD SCAM EXAMPLES

Most gift card scams start off with something simple to trick you into thinking you are texting or emailing with a trusted coworker or leader. Once you reply, they will bring up the urgent task for you.


NOTE: The examples on this page use the university president as the decoy; however, scammers will use any coworker, leader, or friend's name to get your attention.
EMAIL EXAMPLE

Warning Signs

LOOK FOR WARNING SIGNS

  • The email address is not a BYU email address, and the sender's name and email don't match

  • The request is emotionally charged by conveying a sense of urgency

  • Often the grammar or wording seems 'off'

Report Incident

WHAT TO DO

  • Forward the email to phishing@byu.edu

  • Do NOT reply to the sender

  • If you have replied, call the CES Security Operations Center at 801-422-7788

TEXT MESSAGE EXAMPLE
Gift Card Scam - Sample Text Message

WARNING SIGNS:

President Reese will only use the Cash and Cash Equivalency policy to request gift cards.

Message is trying to convey a sense of urgency.

Tone of message doesn't fit the profile of President Reese.

Generic profile named "President".


ACTIONS NEEDED:

Do NOT respond to the texter.

Report to CES Security Operations at 801-422-7788.