Beware the FAKE American Express Chargeback Payment Scam Emails
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
Have you received an email that seems to be from American Express, saying a chargeback payment has been issued to your account? This scam email is designed to steal your personal information. Here’s what you need to know about this phishing scam.
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Overview of the Scam
This phishing scam starts with an email that appears to come from American Express. The subject line says something like “The chargeback has been successfully adjusted.”
The email states that a chargeback payment of a specific dollar amount, usually around $1,000, has been issued to your American Express account. It instructs you to click on a link to view the status of the chargeback and validate the payment.
Here is how the scam email might look:
Subject: The chargeback has been successfully adjusted Dear Card Member,
ChargeBack Payment Received ChargeBack Claim Payment Posted To Your Account We have adjusted your payment options to reflect amount of $1218.16 to your card account Follow the prompt below to view chargeback status..
View Chargeback Status
Payment will be posted into your account within 24 hours after validation. This notice has been generated electronically for [edited]Thank you for your Card Membership, American Express Customer Care.
If you click this link, you are taken to a fake American Express website. The site asks you to enter your American Express username and password to log in. It may also request your card number, expiration date, CVV code, and other sensitive details.
In reality, this is a scam operated by cybercriminals. They are phishing for your American Express login credentials and payment card information. The chargeback payment does not exist. Any details you enter will be stolen by scammers.
This seamless phishing scam fools many recipients. The email appears legitimate, mentioning “Dear Card Member” and using American Express branding. The message about a chargeback payment seems plausible. Even the fake login page looks convincing.
But sharing your information will give scammers full access to your account and enable them to make fraudulent charges. This scam aims to steal your money and identity.
How the American Express Chargeback Scam Works
Here is a step-by-step explanation of how the American Express chargeback phishing scam operates:
1. You Receive the Phishing Email
The scam starts with an email sent to your inbox. The sender name, email address, and subject line are designed to seem like official American Express communications.
Common subject lines include:
The chargeback has been successfully adjusted
Chargeback Claim Payment Posted To Your Account
Your American Express Chargeback Payment is Ready
The email body states that a chargeback payment, usually for an amount like $1,218.16, has been issued to your account. It instructs you to click a link to validate the payment status. Phrases like “Follow the prompt below to view chargeback status” urge you to take action.
The email may include some personal details like your name, partial card number, or the last 4 digits of your account number. This makes the message seem more legitimate.
2. You Click the Link to the Fake Website
When you click the link, you are taken to a website designed to mimic the real American Express login page. The URL may look convincing at first glance.
But on closer inspection, the web address does not actually belong to American Express. Common fake URLs used in this scam include:
canupdownup.es/americanexpress/index.html
americanexpress-usa.com/login
americanexpresslogin.com
The site has American Express branding and logos. There is a form asking you to enter your username, password, and sometimes other sensitive card details.
3. You Enter Your American Express Login Details
Trusting that the site is real, you enter your American Express username and password into the form.
In some cases, you may also be asked to provide:
Card number
Expiration date
CVV security code
Billing address
Phone number
Social Security Number
You click “Submit” or “Continue” to view the status of your chargeback payment.
4. Scammers Steal Your Information
Behind the scenes, scammers are harvesting all the data you entered. They now have your American Express username and password, plus any other sensitive details.
The chargeback payment does not actually exist. The “status” page is just another fake screen.
With your credentials, scammers can now access your real American Express account. They can view your personal information, transaction history, and card balance.
5. Scammers Use Your Details for Fraud
Armed with your payment card data, scammers can make unauthorized purchases or drain your bank account. They may rack up charges on your American Express card or other linked payment cards.
They can also commit identity theft using your personal details like date of birth, Social Security Number, etc.
Meanwhile, you may be completely unaware as you wait for the chargeback payment that will never appear. By the time you realize it’s a scam, the damage may already be done.
This simple but effective phishing technique allows scammers to steal thousands of peoples’ personal information. Many victims end up losing substantial sums of money to fraud.
What to Do If You Fell for the Scam
If you entered your details into a fake American Express site, here are important steps to take right away:
1. Change Your American Express Password
First, log into your real American Express account and change your password immediately. Pick a new password that is unique and hard to guess. This prevents scammers from accessing your account with the compromised password.
2. Check Your Account for Suspicious Activity
Carefully review your recent transactions, statements, and balance. Look for any unfamiliar charges, withdrawals, or account changes. Watch out for small charges, as scammers often test stolen card data with small amounts first.
3. Report Unauthorized Transactions
If you see any fraudulent activity, report it to American Express right away. Call the number on the back of your card. Ask them to reverse the unauthorized charges.
4. Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Reports
Contact one of the three credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This makes it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name.
Equifax: 800-525-6285
Experian: 888-397-3742
TransUnion: 800-680-7289
5. Monitor Your Accounts Closely
Keep checking your American Express account frequently for any new unauthorized charges. Also monitor your bank accounts and other credit cards linked to your American Express account.
6. Change Linked Account Passwords
If scammers have your American Express login, they may also try using the same password for linked financial accounts. Change the passwords on all of your other sensitive accounts as a precaution.
7. Consider a Credit Freeze
Putting a credit freeze on your credit reports restricts access to your credit file. This makes it nearly impossible for scammers to open new accounts in your name. It costs around $10 per bureau.
8. Watch Out for Other Phishing Attempts
Scammers who succeed once will likely try again. Be vigilant about any calls, emails, or texts asking for your personal information. Ignore suspicious links and attachments.
9. File a Police Report
File a report with your local police department about the fraud. This creates an official record in case your stolen information is used for further crimes.
By quickly taking these steps, you can limit the damage from this scam. But it’s critical to act fast before scammers have time to misuse your personal and financial details.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Scan your phone with Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
Frequently Asked Questions About the American Express Chargeback Scam
1. What is the American Express chargeback scam?
The American Express chargeback scam is a phishing scam where you receive a fake email claiming a chargeback payment has been issued to your American Express account. The email provides a link to “validate” the payment, but it actually takes you to a fake login page designed to steal your username, password, and personal details.
2. How does the American Express chargeback scam work?
You get an email that looks like it is from American Express saying a chargeback payment of around $1,000 has been made to your account. It provides a link to view the status and confirm the payment. The link goes to a convincing but fake American Express login page asking for your username, password, card number, CVV, etc. Scammers then steal this information to access your real account and commit fraud.
3. What does the fake American Express chargeback email look like?
The scam email has a subject line like “Your American Express Chargeback Payment is Ready” or “Chargeback Claim Payment Adjusted.” The sender name, email address, and branding appear to be from American Express. The email body mentions a specific chargeback payment amount that has been issued to your account and urges you to click a link to validate the payment status.
4. How can I tell if an American Express chargeback email is fake?
Scrutinize the sender name and email address to see if they match exact American Express contacts. Hover over links to check the URL before clicking. Call American Express to confirm if a chargeback was actually filed on your account. Never click links or enter details into sites you’re not 100% sure are legitimate.
5. What happens if I enter my information into the fake American Express site?
Scammers will steal your American Express username, password, card number, CVV code, and any other details you entered. They can then access your real account to commit fraud or make unauthorized transactions. They may also commit identity theft.
6. What should I do if I fell for the American Express chargeback scam?
If you entered details into a fake site, take actions like changing your American Express password, checking your account for fraudulent charges, placing a fraud alert on your credit, and filing a police report right away. This can help limit the potential damage from the stolen information.
7. How can I protect myself from the American Express chargeback scam?
Avoid clicking links or entering details into any site you’re not 100% confident is real. Use updated antivirus software. Check sender addresses on emails carefully. Call American Express to verify any supposed chargebacks. Implement two-factor authentication. Be vigilant about phishing attempts.
8. How common is the fake American Express chargeback scam?
This scam has surged in popularity recently, affecting thousands of American Express customers. The realistic emails and websites make the scam highly effective for stealing personal information. Anyone with an American Express account could potentially fall victim to this phishing tactic.
9. What is American Express doing to combat this scam?
American Express warns customers about this scam on its security center and through account communications. They advise customers to be on high alert for phishing attempts and provide tips for identifying fake emails or websites. However, many phishing scams still manage to evade detection.
10. How can I report fake American Express chargeback emails or sites?
If you receive a suspicious email that claims to be from American Express, you can forward it to phishing@aexp.com. Report fake websites or login pages to American Express at 800-528-4800 so they can attempt to get the sites shut down. You can also report phishing scams to the FTC.
The Bottom Line
This American Express chargeback phishing scam is deceivingly convincing. Through fake emails and websites, scammers trick unsuspecting victims into handing over valuable personal data.
If you receive an email about an American Express chargeback payment, scrutinize it carefully. Check the sender address and links before clicking. Never enter your details into any site you are not 100% sure is legitimate.
Be proactive about monitoring your accounts and credit reports. If you do fall prey to this scam, take immediate action to protect yourself from fraud. But staying alert and avoiding suspicious links in the first place is the best way to keep your identity and money safe.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
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Meet Thomas Orsolya
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
