Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has cautioned businesses across the country about a growing cyber fraud scheme in which scammers impersonate company leaders to trick employees into making unauthorized financial transactions.
The fraud, commonly referred to as the “Boss Scam,” involves criminals posing as CEOs, directors, senior managers or other high-ranking officials through messaging apps, emails or phone calls. Employees are then pressured to urgently transfer funds, purchase gift cards, or disclose confidential business information.
Officials said the scam relies heavily on creating a sense of urgency and exploiting workplace hierarchies, making employees less likely to question instructions that appear to come from top management.
The advisory highlights that fraudsters often use fake profiles, spoofed contact details, or compromised communication channels to make their messages appear genuine. In some cases, cybercriminals may gather information about a company’s structure and key personnel before launching the attack.
I4C has urged organisations to strengthen internal verification procedures for financial transactions and ensure that requests involving money transfers are independently confirmed through official communication channels.
Companies have also been advised to conduct regular cybersecurity awareness training, implement multi-level approval systems for payments, and encourage employees to report suspicious communications immediately.
The cybercrime agency warned that increasing digital dependence and widespread use of instant messaging platforms have made such executive impersonation scams more common, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance among businesses and their staff.
Citizens and organisations can report cyber fraud incidents through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or by calling the cybercrime helpline 1930.
