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How to identify scams & prevent fraud
Our tips will show you how to identify various scams, keep your details secure
and allow you to continue to use your American Express® Card with confidence.
We will never call you and ask for the following:
Full ID details
One-time verification codes
Logins and passwords
Your Card details or PIN
Be aware. Here are 5 basic tips how to increase your cybersecurity
Encrypt the data
(stored on the device)
Lock the screen automatically
Use a PIN code of at least 5 digits in your devices
Install and regularly update the antivirus
Do the regular backups
Stay safe. Here’s how to spot common scams.
How to identify a phone scam
VISHING
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from American Express and asking you to confirm with them any type of verification code, this is most likely a vishing scam. Fraudsters can also use a scam called spoofing, presenting their own number as American Express.
One time verification codes can be used to make an eCommerce transaction, add Card details to a mobile phone (Digital Wallet) enabling fraudulent spend or to retrieve sensitive information or carry out unauthorised maintenance which will facilitate fraud.
Scammers will often claim that they need your SafeKey Verification Code to confirm your identity or protect you against suspicious activity on your account. In fact, they need SafeKey Verification Codes to approve fraudulent transactions.
How to identify an email scam
PHISHING
Email phishing is when a scammer attempts to trick you into sharing private information, often posing as the Post Office, government or other reputable organisations to obtain your Card details.
Keep an eye out for three giveaway signs:
1. The sender doesn’t use your name, makes mistakes in your name, give your email address as a salutation but asks you to take action
2. The email asks you to enter personal information
3. Email asks you to click the link
4. The email is sent from a different address or from a free email account, e.g. (hotmail.com, gmail.com, yahoo.com)
How to identify a sms scam
SMISHING
Similar to phone scams, scammers may text you pretending to be from American Express, or other well-known organisations. They may also make the fraudulent messages appear in the same message string as a genuine SMS from American Express.
Keep an eye out for these three giveaway signs:
1. The SMS is unexpected and asks you to take action to avoid consequences
2. The message contains a link and instructs you to click on it
3. The message has spelling and grammar mistakes
How to identify a gift card scam
If you receive a call, text message or email from someone asking you to buy gift cards.
They may be claiming to be from:
- American Express
- Your Bank
- Your boss or CEO
- The police
If so, this is likely to be a scam. No reputable organisation will request to be paid using Gift Cards.
If a person you’ve met online asks for personal information or offers you a pre-paid or Supplementary Card, it is most likely a scam.
While plenty of successful relationships begin online, scammers also use dating sites or social media apps and chat rooms to create fake profiles.
Scammers will not ask you for your details upfront. They will build your trust and play on your emotions until it feels safe for you to share your personal information with them.
- They might offer you additional income or acredit or pre-paid card and tell you they will pay for it
- They might ask you to pay for expenses or to send them gift cards because of unexpected problems they have to resolve urgently.
If you’re in any doubt about a text, email or phone call you receive, call the
number on the back of your Card to speak to American Express
Important Checks
Check the sender's address. We will normally email you from the address @aexp.com
- The web address should start with 'http' and end in 's': 'https://' - the 's' stands for secure
- It should have a padlock symbol in the browser address bar
- In some browsers, the address bar or the company name is in green
- Make sure that the website address is correct (americanexpress.com)
- The web address should start with 'http' and ends in 's': 'https://' - the 's' stands for secure
- It should have a padlock symbol in the browser address bar
- In some browsers, the address bar or the company name is in green
How we keep your Account safe
Intelligent Security
Our industry leading fraud detection technology helps protect your Account from fraud. With advanced machine learning and a team of dedicated fraud experts, you can shop with confidence anytime, anywhere.
Fraud Protection
You should take reasonable care to protect your Card details, PIN and any device you store your Account information on.
If you do become a victim of fraud, please contact American Express immediately to block your Card,
In the event of Card loss, theft or scanning, the liability of the Cardmember is limited to EUR 50 until the Card is blocked.
Fraud Alerts
If we spot anything unusual in your spending patterns, we may contact you in order to confirm the transaction.
SafeKey® Verification
Smart authentication technology that works behind the scenes, protecting you against fraud while you shop online by checking it’s really you when making a purchase.
Corporate Programme