The Summer I Got Caught in a Phishing Scheme

At my 5th internship (!!!) this summer, at this bustling fashion magazine (you’ve never heard of it, trust me), something terrible happened. No, I didn’t lose the bracelet I like. Something worse. 

I got caught in a phishing scheme. 

I simply received an email from a high-powered executive: “What's your phone number? From, Anna W” (Does this clarify where I interned?). 

I thought, “Wow. This is so chic. I’m just like Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada, except I am much more attractive, have better hair and I probably have done more Soul Cycle than her.” Running errands for a high-powered boss? Sign me up. 

I swiftly responded to the email, giving Anna both my American and British phone numbers to remind her of my international prowess and global perspective.

And suddenly, I was caught in the crossfire of a devious scheme. 

I received a text barking an order at me: “Buy three gift cards, each with $200 loaded onto them. I want to give them to my team as gifts." Of course, boss. I quite literally will never let you down. I am Captain Sully, and instead of landing that plane, I will make sure that the editorial team of this magazine receives these gift cards. 

I sprinted to the nearest Whole Foods.

I asked Anna about the demographics of the team. Were they women or men? Who am I buying these gift cards for? 

^ Evidence of my journalistic nature and inquisitive mind.

Then, as requested, I sent her the serial codes and information on the purchased gift cards.

But, I bought the wrong ones and she snapped at me. 

What’s a “choice gift card”? 

Ugh, remember I didn’t grow up in the U.S.!! I panicked and texted my friends about my epic blunder. How would I ever be able to work in the magazine industry again? I bought the wrong gift cards!! Surely I’d be blacklisted for this horrible mistake. 

Then, my Ivy League educated peers enlightened me of the error of my ways. 

And, well, although I am a pisces, I didn’t mean to get caught in a phishing scheme.