The Late-Night Call: A New Scam Threatening Third Shift Workers

In the vast sea of digital scams, there is a recent one that has emerged targeting third shift employees, particularly those working alone at night. One Reddit user shared his story, providing a cautionary tale for all late-night workers, especially those working in retail or customer-facing environments.

The scam begins when an employee receives a phone call from a fast-talking individual, often claiming to be a superior or the owner of the establishment. The individual immediately establishes authority, invoking a sense of urgency and pressure. In this case, the Reddit user was told there was an IT issue that needed to be addressed immediately, despite the fact it was the middle of the night.

The scammer managed to get the user’s personal phone number, and then proceeded to send a series of confusing and urgent messages. They claimed there were certain codes the employee needed to relay, an effective tactic to sow confusion and keep the victim engaged.

So, what’s the end game of this scam? From the scenario described, it seems like the scammer was potentially trying to perpetrate an advanced version of the common “verification code” scam. This typically involves sending a code to the victim’s phone, which they then relay back to the scammer. The scammer can use this code to verify and take control of an account linked to the victim’s phone number, usually for financial gain.

It’s also possible that the scammer was attempting to convince the victim to transfer funds, using the guise of an emergency IT or maintenance issue that needed immediate financial resolution.

Regardless of the scammer’s ultimate goal, the modus operandi is the same: use authority and urgency to exploit the isolation and vulnerability of third-shift employees.

So how can one protect oneself from this kind of scam? Here are some suggestions:

1. Never give out personal information: Whether it’s over the phone or through a text message, never provide personal information like your phone number, social security number, or bank account details.
2. Ask for verification: If someone calls claiming to be a higher-up, ask for some form of verification. Reach out to a known contact within the company to confirm the situation.
3. Trust your instincts: If something feels off or sounds too complicated, it probably is a scam. Scammers often rely on confusion and urgency to pressure their victims into compliance.
4. Keep your managers in the loop: As demonstrated in the Reddit user’s story, notifying a familiar manager or supervisor about the situation can help confirm whether it’s a scam or not.

Scams are evolving as technology advances, but with vigilance and awareness, it’s possible to avoid falling victim. It’s essential to share experiences like this Reddit user’s to build a more informed community that can collectively combat digital scams