Scam Alert

Recently we alerted you all to a scam that often targets nonprofits and we’d like to take a moment to remind you about it as our office has seen not only an uptick in requests but they are now starting to ask for cell phone numbers to text.

The scam usually looks like the email is being sent from the executive director or CEO by name, but the name usually masks a spam email account so look carefully. Today, two of my team members received such spam emails and were brazen enough to ask for their cell phone numbers to text.  

Red Flags

• Sender either spelled their name wrong or addressed them with both their first and last name. We’re a small team and never use last names.  
• The tremendous sense of urgency displayed by the spammer. I almost never start a fire drill and I certainly wouldn’t rush spending any money.
• Sender asked a staff member to make a purchase when I almost always use our office credit card because the reimbursement process for staff is not simple and fast.  
• Sender asked to buy physical gift cards in bulk. They will most likely ask your staff to scratch off the back to give away the PIN.

We highly suggest a quick reminder to your team about the purchasing policies and procedures, who has the authority to make purchases, and what the approval process looks like. We also suggest reminding staff that if something seems off that it probably is.