E-mail phishing scams are a constant concern as people’s personal information becomes more vulnerable with various hacks. While we are all used to the Nigerian prince e-mails and similar attempts to get our bank account information (as well as other information), I think we may be a bit more susceptible to e-mails that affect our precious miles and points!
Be Careful of a Fake “Amex” E-mail That Warns of Account Closure
Scammer attempt to use a sense of fear in their phishing e-mails. For a collector of miles and points, an e-mail that warns that your American Express account is about to be closed will create a great sense of fear and anxiety!
Yet, that is the exact e-mail I received last week and here is what it said:
“This is a notification that you won’t be able to use your online service until you confirm your information. We’ve taken this step to ensure the security of your account.
Simply click “Confirm Your Info” button and you’ll be taken to a American Express validation page.”
It includes a “helpful” button to let you login to confirm your account.
The scammer even used an image of an American Express Delta card to help sell it and draw the attention of the recipient.
If you were to click on the link, it would take you to a look-alike Amex page where you would have to put your username and password in. Once you do that, the scammer now has your online account information and can now act as you.
If you receive this e-mail, just delete it! Do not click any links in the e-mail!
What Happens If You Receive a Similar E-Mail?
You never need to click the links in e-mails that may look suspicious. If this was truly an e-mail from American Express, I can either login to the American Express website directly or call the phone number on the back of any Amex card to check and see if this is true.
Before you delete the e-mail, forward it to this American Express e-mail address – spoof@americanexpress.com.
Remember – emails that draw fear or concern are done in that way to have you click before you stop to think if it is genuine. Whenever you receive such an e-mail, always take a moment to see where that link is for or call the company directly to ask them about the concern with your account.
Charlie — Dressed up with Amex graphics, my recently received spoofs would have been very persuasive except for the slightly lumpy grammar — not quite as bad as the Nigerian prince, but a little worse than I expect from Amex.
“In regards to Authorized Cardmember
Profile ID® 1006607
As part of our regular online platform monitoring service.
Unfortunately, we are writing to let you know an unusual safety flagging had occurred on your profile.
We urge cardmember to follow through a re-confirmation of records with us as directed below.
INSTRUCTION
Attached with this message is a Web fillable form.
Take a moment to download and complete this form.
Thank you for your Card Membership.
American Express Online Team
Our Privacy Statement
Profile information is included above to help you recognize this as a customer care message from American Express.
© 2019 American Express. All rights reserved.”