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.” This is how one scam email tried to trick me into clicking on a fake link claiming to “Verify account activity.” It looked official with logos, customer support tone, and even a partial account number. But she was a phishing attempt, A common method used to steal personal and financial information.

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

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How to detect and stop phishing scams using AI

How does a phishing email scam work?

Phishing emails copy trusted companies to create panic and urgency. The goal is simple: get you to click. In this case, e-mail He claimed it was my American Express account “Temporarily restricted” Until I confirmed my identity.

A fake email from American Express attempted to steal personal data using urgent, fear-based language. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)

A closer look revealed several red flags:

• The sender’s email was It is not from the official American Express domain.
• Click here button. Linked to a strange site.
• Message used Language based on fear About account suspension.

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

Scammers are now impersonating co-workers and stealing emails to lure them into phishing attacks

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

What to do if you receive a phishing email

If the email looks suspicious:

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

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

Protect yourself from deceptive online scams

Strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and data removal services help defend against digital fraud. (Neil Goodwin/Future via Getty Images)

10 tips to protect yourself from phishing emails

Phishing scams that mimic real companies like American Express can sneak into your inbox and look almost legitimate. The best way to stay safe is to create strong digital habits that protect your information and your peace of mind. Here are the top ways to defend yourself against phishing threats and financial fraud.

1) Turn on two-factor authentication for financial accounts

Add two-factor authentication (2FA) Creates an extra layer of protection. Even if a scammer 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. Enable it today and make your login stronger.

2) Consider using a data removal service

Data removal services help clean your personal information from data broker sites that collect your data 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. In the case of fake American Express messages, less personal data online means fewer details that 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. It’s not cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by systematically monitoring and scraping your personal information from hundreds of websites. This gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to clear your personal data from the Internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of fraudsters cross-referencing data from breaches to information they might 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 check to see if your personal information really exists on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

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3) Keep your browser and security software updated

Old browsers and Antivirus software Leaving loopholes that fraudsters can exploit. Regular updates plug those vulnerabilities and strengthen your defense against phishing links and malicious downloads. Set up your software to update automatically so you’re always protected when you open emails or click links.

4) Review account statements and transactions regularly

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

5) Pause and check before clicking anything

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

6) Use powerful antivirus software

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

The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware, and potentially access your private information, is to install strong antivirus software on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best antivirus protection winners of 2025 for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS at Cyberguy.com.

7) Use an identity monitoring service

Identity monitoring services Monitor the Dark Web and be alerted 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 “Restricted Account” email from American Express. Early detection through identity monitoring allows you to take action, such as changing passwords, freezing credit, or alerting your bank before real damage occurs.

Identity theft companies can monitor 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 you freeze your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.

Check out my tips and top picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com.

8) Learn to recognize formal communications

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

9) Back up your important data securely

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

10) Trust your instincts

If the email feels wrong, it probably is. Your intuition is one of your strongest defenses against scams. Combine it with these habits to stay ahead of cybercriminals and keep your personal and financial information safe.

Key takeaways for Kurt

Phishing scams are becoming more advanced, but your awareness is your best defense. When you know how to spot fake emails and stay calm under pressure, you protect your money and your peace of mind. So, next time you receive an “urgent” message about your account, ask yourself: Would your bank really contact you this way?

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

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