Summer workers targeted by cybercriminals as fraudsters pose as CEOs

Summer employees are increasingly falling victim to cybercrime, with fraudsters often impersonating company executives to manipulate them into transferring money, public broadcaster Yle reports.

The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency’s Cyber Security Centre has recorded a sharp rise in reported cyber incidents, with cases surging over 60% in three years. Last year alone, nearly 17,000 phishing and scam attempts were reported, while total cyber incident notifications reached almost 21,000—up from around 13,000 in 2022.

Summer workers are particularly vulnerable because they are often unfamiliar with company procedures and may not recognize suspicious requests. A common tactic is the “CEO fraud,” where scammers pose as high-ranking executives, pressuring employees to make urgent payments.

Mikael Hakkarainen, IT director at AI and data company Solita, notes that digitalization has expanded access for temporary workers, making them prime targets. “A summer employee might not yet know the company’s communication practices or payment procedures,” he said, describing how fraudsters exploit urgency and authority to deceive victims.

The threat level has risen further due to geopolitical tensions, with state-backed actors and criminal groups targeting Finnish businesses. Cyber Security Centre expert Roni Kokkola warns that AI tools now enable scammers to produce convincing fraud attempts at scale, though defensive measures are also improving.

To combat the risk, companies like Solita mandate security training for all new hires, restricting system access until protocols are understood. Experts emphasize fostering a workplace culture where employees feel comfortable questioning unusual requests.

Authorities advise verifying suspicious messages with supervisors, scrutinizing links in emails or texts, and clarifying company policies on device usage. Last year, over 10,000 online fraud cases were reported to police, resulting in financial losses of approximately €88 million.