Online scam asks people in Guelph to buy gift cards for colleagues

Police in Guelph are warning the public about ascam where people may receive an email from someone they know, asking them to buy gift cards to reward others but it's a hoax.

On Oct. 23, a woman received an email from someone posing as her boss, police said in a release Wednesday.

"The email stated that her boss was looking to surprise staff members with gifts. She was instructed to purchases eight $100 Amazon gift cards, scratch the backs of the cards and reply with pictures of the numbers on the back of the cards. She was told that she would be reimbursed for the cost," police said.

The woman was also told her boss was busy in meetings, and not to call. Instead she was told only to communicate through email.

She went to the store, bought the cards, but rather than send photos to her boss, she hand delivered them, "at which point it was discovered that it was a scam," said Guelph police.

2nd scam

On Oct. 26, another woman received an email from a leader at her place of worship, police said. She was asked to buy $1,000 worth of eBay gift cards and email the codes to the leader. The woman was told the gift cards would be used to "surprise members with gifts," police said.

Again, the woman was told not to call the leader of the place of worship as they were busy with meetings.

The woman bought the cards and sent the person the codes as requested.

"Later on, the female emailed the leader of her place of worship directly, found out that they didn't know anything about the gift cards and it was discovered that she was scammed," police said.

Double check email addresses

Police said online scams are becoming more sophisticated.

"We recommend that everyone be very cautious regarding online communication, especially when being requested to purchase gift cards or transfer funds," police said in a release.

"Please always double check that any online communication is coming from a recognized email address and take the time to speak with the person directly in order to verify any request."

Anyone with information about these cases, or who has experienced something similar, is asked to contact Const. KentSchneider orConst. Rebecca Stanley at 519-824-1212. Tips can also be left with Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.