New Scam Alert: Fraudulent Emails and Gift Card Schemes Targeting Tech Professionals

In a growing trend of online scams, a recent incident involving an IIT alumnus has raised concerns about the sophistication of fraudulent schemes. Aaditya Aanand, an IIT graduate, shared a warning on LinkedIn after a scammer impersonated him in an attempt to swindle his colleague, Anupam, into purchasing ₹10,000 worth of gift cards.

Sacm Alert

The scam began when Anupam received an email purportedly from Aanand, asking, "Why haven't you responded to my last email?" The email seemed professional at first glance, but something didn’t sit right with Anupam. Deciding to verify the message, he reached out to Aanand via WhatsApp. That’s when the duo uncovered the scam.

The fraudulent email claimed that Aanand was planning to surprise the team with Apple Gift Cards valued at ₹10,000 each as rewards. The scammer, posing as Aanand, urgently requested Anupam to purchase multiple gift cards using his personal email, promising reimbursement. The email’s urgency and professional tone were designed to deceive and pressure the recipient into acting quickly without questioning the legitimacy of the request.

In his LinkedIn post, Aanand explained the scam's key tactics, emphasizing how the scammer created a false sense of urgency while sounding professional and trustworthy. This professional facade, along with the offer of rewards, made the scam even more convincing.

Aanand shared the details of the scam, including screenshots of the communication, to warn others about this new tactic. "Scammers are everywhere," he wrote, urging people to stay vigilant and be cautious when receiving unsolicited messages, especially in today's digital age where data privacy is often compromised.

He also highlighted the growing risks in a world where personal information is easily accessible. “Don’t fall for these things. Share with people, make them more aware,” he concluded.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the increasing sophistication of cyber scams, particularly in the corporate and tech sectors. Scammers often impersonate trusted individuals and use professional language to manipulate their victims into giving away sensitive information or money.

What to Do if You Encounter a Cybercrime?

If you fall victim to a cybercrime or receive suspicious messages, it’s crucial to report the incident immediately. In India, the National Cyber Crime Reporting portal offers a streamlined process for reporting cybercrimes. Visit cybercrime.gov.in to file a report and take the necessary steps to protect your personal and professional information.