How to protect yourself from American Express phishing scams with 10 tips

It started with an urgent subject line: “Resolve Unusual Activity in Your American Express Account Now.” A scam email tried to trick me into clicking a fake link in this way. “verify account activity.” The logos looked official, with a customer support tone and even a partial account number. However, this was a phishing attempt; It was a common tactic used to steal personal and financial information.

Let’s look at what makes this message suspicious and how you can protect yourself.

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How does a phishing email scam work?

Phishing emails copy trusted companies to create panic and urgency. The goal is simple: to get you to click. In this case, the email is from my American Express account. “Temporarily restricted” Until I verify my identity.

A closer look revealed a few red flags:

• The sender’s email was: not from an official American Express domain.
• “Click Here” button It’s linked to a strange website.
• message used fear-based language About account suspension.

Each of these clues points to a fraudulent email designed to steal login information or credit card numbers.

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Learn to spot red flags like strange email addresses and fake “verify account” requests. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What should you do if you receive a phishing email?

If an email looks suspicious:

• Do not click on any links.
• Check the sender’s address. Real companies use verified domains, not random ones.
• Go directly to the company website By typing the URL into your browser.
• Report the email. American Express asks customers to forward phishing messages to spoof@americanexpress.com.
• Delete the email immediately.

These steps can protect you from identity theft and financial fraud.

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Strong passwords, 2FA and data removal services help protect against digital scams. (Neil Godwin/Future via Getty Images)

10 tips to protect yourself from phishing emails

Phishing scams that impersonate real companies, such as American Express, can sneak into your inbox while appearing almost legitimate. The best way to stay safe is to create strong digital habits that protect your information and peace of mind. Here are the best ways to protect yourself against phishing threats and financial fraud.

1) Turn on two-factor authentication for financial accounts

Add two-factor authentication (2FA) It creates an extra layer of protection. Even if a fraudster gets your password through a fake American Express email, they won’t be able to access your account without your verification code. Most banks and credit card companies offer this free feature in their security settings. Activate today and strengthen your login credentials.

2) Consider using a data removal service

Data removal services help clean your personal information from data broker websites that collect your information and sell it to advertisers, marketers, and even scammers. Reducing your digital footprint limits the amount of information phishing attackers can use to make fake emails look convincing. When it comes to fake American Express messages, less personal data available online means fewer details criminals can use to target you directly.

While no service can guarantee complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is truly a smart choice. They’re not cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically deleting your personal information from hundreds of websites. This is what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to delete your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of fraudsters cross-referencing data obtained from breaches with information they can find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to see if your personal information is already on the internet by visiting: cyberguy.com.

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3) Keep your browser and security software updated

Outdated browsers and antivirus programs leave gaps for scammers to exploit. Regular updates close these loopholes and strengthen your defenses against phishing links and malicious downloads. Set your software to update automatically; so you’re always protected when opening emails or clicking links.

4) Review account statements and transactions regularly

Make it a habit to log in to your credit card accounts directly from the official website and not from email links. Scan your statements for unknown transactions. Early detection helps you quickly report fraud and recover funds before further damage occurs.

5) Pause and verify before clicking anything

Phishing emails thrive on urgency. Before you click, take a deep breath and ask yourself: Does this message sound pressured or suspicious? Instead of clicking “Verify now,” open a new browser tab and visit the official credit card website to check your account. This simple pause can stop a scam in its tracks.

6) Use strong antivirus software

Good antivirus software not only blocks viruses but also warns you when a site or email is unsafe. Choose a program that includes phishing detection, real-time web protection, and email scanning. These tools can automatically block fake similar emails before you open them.

The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware and potentially access your private information is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection also keeps your personal information and digital assets safe by alerting you to phishing emails and ransomware scams.

Get my picks for the 2025 best antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices at: cyberguy.com.

7) Use an identity tracking service

Identity monitoring services continue to monitor the dark web and alert you if your personal information, such as your email address, password or credit card number, appears in stolen data. If scammers gain access to this information, they often use it to create realistic phishing attempts, such as a fake American Express “account restricted” email. Early detection through identity monitoring allows you to take actions such as changing passwords, freezing credit, or alerting your bank before real damage occurs.

Identity Theft companies can track your personal information, such as your Social Security Number (SSN), phone number, and email address, and alert you if it is sold on the dark web or used to open an account. They can also help freeze your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.

See my tips and top picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at: cyberguy.com.

8) Learn to recognize official communications

Legitimate companies like American Express never ask for full account numbers, passwords or security codes via email. Learn what real messages from your bank look and sound like. If something is wrong, forward the message to the company’s official fraud department and delete it immediately.

9) Back up your important data safely

If a phishing attack installs malware on your computer, it can lock or delete files. Keep secure backups on an external drive or a reliable cloud service. This way, you won’t lose access to your information even if fraudsters target your system.

10) Trust your instincts

If an email seems wrong to you, it probably is. Your intuition is one of your strongest defenses against fraud. Combine that with these habits to stay ahead of cybercriminals and keep your personal and financial information safe.

Kurt’s important takeaways

Phishing scams are getting more sophisticated, but your awareness is your best defense. When you learn how to spot fake emails and stay calm under pressure, you’ll save both your money and your peace of mind. So the next time you get an “urgent” message about your account, ask yourself this: Would your bank really contact you this way?

Have you ever received a suspicious email like this? Let us know by writing to us. cyberguy.com.

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