I want to believe my mom won’t fall for a scam.

Experience tells me she absolutely will.

I want to believe my coworkers won’t go out and buy gift cards from a text claiming to be one of the partners.

Experience tells me they absolutely will.

My mom at least calls me now before she puts any personal information anywhere. With the folks at my office, I’m nowhere near as lucky. I have no idea why they buy the gift cards rather than, I dont know, calling one of the partners to confirm, but they do. Its happened four times now. There were very specific instructions given in a presentation, done at least once a year.

And yet, it happens.

I fully understand hoping for better, but the risk doesnt change. Confirmation is always worth it. They may feel embarrassed being asked, but how much more embarrassed would they be if they got scammed?

Just something to keep in mind, hope everything works out for your friend.