Beware of WhatsApp messages asking for money that appear to be from your boss; i4C has issued an advisory..

The threat of the "Boss Scam" is now looming over the world of cybercrime; simply put, obeying an order from your boss is no longer entirely safe—especially when it involves financial matters. The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued important guidelines regarding this. The Indian Cyber ​​Crime Coordination Centre (i4C), which operates under the Home Ministry, has released a new alert. This alert is specifically aimed at individuals who handle financial responsibilities within organizations, companies, or government departments. 

Cyber ​​fraudsters are now attempting to trick employees into transferring money by impersonating bosses, CEOs, or senior officers via WhatsApp and other messaging platforms. In many instances, employees follow these instructions without verification, resulting in significant financial losses for the organization. i4C has advised people to remain vigilant against such fake messages and to verify the sender's identity before proceeding with any financial transaction.

What is the 'Boss Scam'?
The 'Boss Scam'—or 'CEO Impersonation Fraud'—is a new method of cyber fraud. In this scheme, fraudsters assume the identity of a senior executive, CEO, or Head of Department (HoD) from a company. They create fake WhatsApp accounts or use impersonated profile photos to message employees, pressuring them to transfer funds immediately.

How do people get trapped?
Fraudsters often create a sense of urgency, citing reasons such as confidential payments, emergency transactions, or specific projects. If employees make payments in haste without verification, the money goes directly into the fraudsters' accounts.

What is i4C's advice?
i4C advises all organizations and employees to verify any message involving money with the concerned official via a phone call, video call, or official email before taking action. Do not make payments based solely on WhatsApp messages.

Tips to avoid cyber fraud
Verify any message requesting a money transfer.
Do not trust instructions received from unknown numbers.
Avoid making financial decisions in haste or under pressure. Raise awareness among employees about cybersecurity.
If you suspect fraud, immediately lodge a complaint via the National Cyber ​​Helpline (1930) or the cyber crime portal.

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