Email Impersonation Fraud

🔐 The truth is, there are many different F Words, but the one I want to shine a light on today is fraud—specifically, Email Impersonation Fraud. These scams prey on trust and familiarity, often coming from someone you know… or so you think, often leading individuals to act impulsively without applying their usual skepticism. Fraudsters leverage the credibility of familiar names to create a false sense of security, making it crucial for everyone to recognize the signs of these scams.

🤔 What Is Email Impersonation Fraud?

Email impersonation fraud is when a scammer pretends to be someone you trust—a boss, co-worker, friend, or organization—to trick you into taking action. The emails seem real, urgent, and convincing, but they’re designed to deceive.

📅 Real Stories, Real Lessons

📄 The Gift Card Grift

A treasurer for a youth soccer board received an email from the “club president” asking her to buy gift cards for a fundraiser. The request? Scratch off the back and send photos.

Luckily, something felt off. She reached out directly to the president and confirmed it was a scam—no fundraiser, no request. Her gut saved the club from financial loss.

It is important to ask questions before taking action if something is out of the ordinary or is a strange request, even if it comes from someone you trust. Make sure to contact the person through a different method rather than replying to the message directly.

💳 Fake CEO, Real Danger

Employees at a company began receiving emails from a spoofed CEO account. The emails asked for urgent approval of large invoices. The tone, the formatting—it all looked legitimate.

Thanks to training and a healthy dose of skepticism, the team caught on before any money was sent. But not all companies are that lucky. As these scams become more prevalent, it’s essential for organizations to foster a culture of scrutiny, ensuring their teams remain vigilant against potential impersonation threats.

🪨 How These Scams Work

🕵️‍♂️ Red Flags to Watch For

• The sender’s email address is almost right
• Unusual requests (gift cards, payments, wire transfers)
• Sudden urgency or secrecy
• The tone feels off—just not quite them

🪧 Tools Scammers Use

🏛️ Authority: “This is from your CEO.”

🕛 Time Pressure: “We need this today.”

🤬 Emotional Triggers: They push buttons like fear, urgency, and loyalty.

🏡 How to Protect Yourself

🔎 Verify the Request
Always confirm through another channel—a phone call or direct message.

🔑 Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
It adds an extra layer of protection against email takeovers.

✉️ Hover Before You Click
Check the email address and links. Don’t trust them at face value.

🔹 Encourage a Skeptical Culture
In both personal and work environments, question unusual or emotional requests.

🚀 Take Action

If something feels off—pause. And always triple-check before you click!

📊 Trust your gut.
🚨 Report suspicious emails.
🔢 Educate others to stay alert.

🔥 Next Steps

📌 Have you or someone you know fallen victim to one of these sneaky schemes?
📌 Share your story! Send it to tips@thetruthaboutthefword.com and help spread awareness—because knowledge is the best defense against fraud!