Beware the American Express “Account Validation” Email Scam
Written by: Stelian Pilici
Published on:
American Express is one of the largest and most well-known credit card providers in the world. Millions of consumers and businesses trust American Express and rely on their credit cards for convenient and secure purchases. Unfortunately, the trusted reputation of American Express makes it a prime target for scammers seeking to steal personal and financial information through deceptive phishing emails.
One prevalent scam involves a fake email that claims to be from American Express, informing recipients that their account has been temporarily suspended and requires immediate validation to restore access. Known as the “Account Validation Required” email scam, this cunning ploy aims to trick unwary recipients into divulging sensitive login credentials and personal data.
In this comprehensive guide, we will uncover everything you need to know about recognizing and avoiding the “Account Validation Required” American Express phishing scam.
This article contains:
Overview of the American Express “Account Validation Required” Email Scam
The “Account Validation Required” phishing scam is one of the more insidious and devious attempts to steal personal information by impersonating American Express. Here are the key characteristics that define this scam:
Appears to originate from American Express – The scam email is made to look like official correspondence from American Express. It uses American Express branding and logos and claims to come from an @americanexpress.com email address.
Notifies of account suspension – The email states that the recipient’s American Express account has been temporarily suspended due to “unusual activity” or for “security reasons”.
Requests identity verification – The recipient is prompted to verify their account ownership by clicking a link or opening an attached document. This leads to a fake login page designed to steal account credentials.
Creates urgency – The email stresses urgent action, stating that the account will remain suspended until the requested verification steps are completed. This pressures recipients to click links and provide data without thinking.
May include attachment – Some versions attach a fake “verification document” that leads to a phishing site when opened. The attached file uses names like “American Express Verification Form.pdf” to appear legitimate.
Directs to fake login page – Whether via embedded links or an attachment, the goal is to direct victims to a convincingly real American Express login page controlled by the scammers to capture entered account credentials.
Well-designed versions of this scam can be very difficult for the average person to distinguish from genuine correspondence. However, a trained eye can spot certain red flags that give away the phishing attempt.
How the American Express “Account Validation” Scam Works
Equipped with an understanding of the characteristics of this scam, it’s important to know precisely how the phishing scheme works and tricks unsuspecting victims. Here is a step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: Victim Receives the Scam Email
The scam starts with an American Express cardholder receiving an unsolicited email with an urgent warning about account suspension. The deceptive email is crafted to generate fear and uncertainty, motivating the recipient to take immediate action to regain account access.
The email may be personally addressed to the victim and contain partial account details harvested from previous data breaches to seem authentic. The content informs the recipient that recent suspicious activity has triggered a security suspension on their account.
restoration of account access hinges on completing the “verification process” by clicking the link or attached document provided. The email creates urgency by stating that the account will remain locked until verification is finished.
Step 2: Victim Interacts With Link or Attachment
Convinced by the urgent call to action, the email recipient clicks the link or opens the attached fake verification document embedded in the scam message. The link leads to a phishing site masquerading as the official American Express login page. The attachment likewise opens a mock login page in the web browser.
In some cases, the link or attachment payload may download malware onto the victim’s device for additional forms of fraud. But the main agenda is tricking the victim into entering their account credentials.
Step 3: Victim Attempts to Login on Phishing Page
The phishing site mirrors the authentic American Express login portal, appearing visually identical in design and branding. Without realizing they are on a fraudulent page controlled by criminals, victims attempt to login using their existing username and password.
Some phishing kits even display fake error messages if an incorrect password is entered, further deceiving users into believing the page is legitimate.
Step 4: Scammers Steal and Use Login Credentials
When victims enter valid login credentials into the phishing site login form, the account details are captured and transmitted to the scammers. Their phishing kit instantly records submitted data and may even mimic a real user dashboard to avoid rousing suspicion after capturing the sensitive information.
With the stolen account username and password, the fraudsters can now directly access the victim’s real American Express account and personal information. They can view statements, steal loyalty points, make fraudulent purchases, change account details, and leverage the compromised account for identity theft.
Step 5: Account and Identity Compromised
Once scammers breach the account, they have an open door to exploit the victim’s identity and make unauthorized transactions using the account. They may reroute statements to hide fraudulent activity, update contact info to maintain control, and siphon account points or funds.
The victim remains unaware until unauthorized charges begin to show up. By this time, significant financial damage may have already occurred. Stolen account credentials can also fuel wider identity theft by providing scammers with key personal details like SSN, date of birth, address, and more.
This demonstrates why it is critical never to interact with unsolicited emails requesting financial information or directing to login pages. The consequences of having an American Express or other financial account compromised can be severe.
Warning Signs of the Fake American Express Email Scam
While clever social engineering and design makes many phishing emails appear legitimate, there are often small indicators that reveal their fraudulent nature upon close inspection.
Here are some subtle warning signs to recognize within an “Account Validation Required” scam email that should prompt immediate deletion:
Generic greeting – Real American Express emails address customers by name, while scams often use generic greetings like “Dear cardmember”.
Spelling/grammatical errors – Phishing emails may contain misspellings, awkward syntax, or poor grammar.
Strange email address – The “from” address may include misspellings of American Express or unverified domain extensions.
Sense of urgency – Aggressive claims that your account is compromised and the clock is ticking to restore it are manipulative red flags.
** Requests sensitive data** – American Express would never ask for your full account number, password, SSN, or other private details via email.
Threats account suspension – Language stating your account has been frozen is deceptive, as American Express would provide advance notice.
Attachment included – American Express would never email account forms or worksheets as attachments from @americanexpress.com.
Link mismatched – If you hover over any embedded links, the web address should match AmericanExpress.com exactly.
No matter how legitimate a suspect email appears, always login directly through the real American Express website and contact customer service before clicking any links or providing personal data.
What to Do If You Are Victimized by the Scam
If you mistakenly interacted with one of these phishing emails and supplied account credentials or other information, immediate action is required to secure your accounts and identity. Here are the key steps to take right away:
Step 1: Alert American Express
Your first call should be to American Express customer service at the number on the back of your physical credit card. Inform them that you interacted with a phishing scam and suspect your account is compromised. They will walk through fraud prevention measures.
Ask to reset all account passwords, update contact info to lock out scammers, unregister any linked bank accounts, remove authorized users if applicable, and issue new card numbers. Enable every security feature available on your account.
Step 2: Contact Banks and Monitor Accounts
Since scammers may have accessed linked financial accounts, contact your bank and any other connected institutions to warn them of possible fraud. Closely monitor all your financial accounts for unauthorized activity and report any suspicious transactions.
Consider placing temporary holds on accounts to block fraudulent purchases. Request new card and account numbers from banks to prevent additional misuse of compromised data.
Step 3: Run Credit Reports
One of the worst potential outcomes of the scam is identity theft. Run credit reports using AnnualCreditReport.com to identify any accounts fraudulently opened in your name using stolen info.
Report any suspicious entries to the credit bureaus. Place credit freezes on your files with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion to lock down your credit from identity theft.
Step 4: Update Passwords
Rapidly change passwords on every online account, prioritizing financial sites and accounts with similar login credentials to American Express. Assume the stolen password is compromised across any sites where it was reused.
Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible for enhanced account security going forward. Never reuse old passwords.
Step 5: Watch for Suspicious Activity
Carefully scrutinize account statements, benefit notices, explanation of benefits, bills and credit reports for any transactions, claims or entries resulting from misuse of your stolen identity. Report any suspicious finds to the relevant institutions’ fraud departments immediately.
Be extra vigilant for next 12-24 months for signs of fraudulent accounts or activity as identity thieves exploit stolen data. The more swiftly you identify fraud, the less damage incurred.
Falling victim to a phishing scam is stressful, but acting quickly can significantly reduce the resulting harm. Keep a close eye out for further deceptive communiques going forward and avoid interacting with anything unsolicited requesting financial data.
How to Avoid Falling Victim to the American Express Phishing Scam
Once you understand the inner workings and potential damages of the “Account Validation” phishing scam, you are armed with the knowledge to evade it. Here are proactive measures everyone should take to deter becoming a victim:
Avoid unsolicited links/attachments – Do not click or download anything embedded in an email unless you specifically requested the content from a trusted sender.
Verify the source – Check the sender’s email address, company name spellings, domain, and contact info before engaging email content.
Contact companies directly – Never call a number or visit a site provided within an email. Locate legitimate contact info and log in directly.
Beware pressure tactics – Disregard urgent claims designed to prompt hasty action or cloud judgment about email legitimacy.
Guard credentials – Never disclose your password, account numbers, SSN or other sensitive data via email, forms or phone.
Use multifactor authentication – Enabling MFA adds an extra layer of security, requiring two steps to login even if credentials are stolen.
Install anti-phishing tools – Software like email spam filters and browser extensions can detect and halt phishing attempts.
Keep software updated – Maintain up-to-date operating systems, security software, browsers and apps to avoid vulnerabilities.
Monitor accounts frequently – Routinely check statements and credit reports for any unauthorized access or transactions.
Advance preparation is your best defense against the American Express phishing scam. But even with utmost caution, it’s possible a phishing attempt may slip through. In such cases, remaining calm and taking swift action to thwart fraud is key to damage control.
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.
What is the American Express “Account Validation” phishing scam?
This is a fraudulent email scheme where scammers impersonate American Express and claim your account requires urgent validation due to suspicious activity. The email provides a link/attachment to a fake login page to steal your credentials.
How do I recognize the scam email?
Warning signs include generic greetings, poor grammar/spelling, urgent threats to suspend your account, requests for sensitive information, mismatched links, and unexpected attachments.
What happens if I enter my account information on the phishing page?
The criminals capture your login credentials and gain access to your American Express account, enabling them to steal points, make fraudulent purchases, and leverage your personal/financial data for identity theft.
I got scammed – what should I do now?
Immediately contact American Express to secure your account and banks to monitor for fraud. Check credit reports for misuse of identity and freeze your credit files. Change passwords on all accounts and enable enhanced security like MFA. Watch accounts closely for unauthorized access.
How can I avoid falling victim to this scam?
Avoid clicking links/attachments in unsolicited emails. Verify the source directly with companies before providing info. Never disclose passwords or financial data via email. Use anti-phishing tools and keep devices/software updated.
Can I tell if an email is really from American Express?
Go directly to the official website or use contact info on your card to call. Warning signs of phishing include pressure tactics, account threats, requested sensitive data, and incorrect links/logos/addresses.
What happens if I enter the wrong password on the phishing page?
The criminals have designed the fake login portal to mirror the real American Express site. Some phishing kits display convincing error messages if the wrong password is entered to trick you into re-entering it.
Is it ever legitimate for American Express to email customers asking for account information?
No, American Express has stated they will never send unsolicited emails or texts requesting your confidential account details. Any such requests via email are deceptive phishing scams, no matter how real they appear.
Can I get my money back if the scammers make unauthorized transactions?
If you act quickly, American Express has policies to reimburse fraudulent transactions and restore stolen rewards points. But the sooner you report unauthorized account activity, the better protected you will be.
The Bottom Line
The “Account Validation Required” phishing scam targeting American Express cardholders serves as a sobering reminder of why we must remain vigilant against email-based social engineering. This deceptive ploy aims to weaponize the trusted reputation of an established financial institution to trick customers into handing over account access to criminals.
By understanding the psychological triggers and technical tricks these scams employ, we can recognize the telltale signs of phishing and avoid being deceived. But no one is completely immune from occasional lapses in judgment. Should a scam succeed in duping you, promptly contacting companies to lock down accounts can significantly mitigate financial and identity theft harms.
Going forward, implementing ongoing safeguards like multifactor authentication and credit freezes helps minimize vulnerability to phishing and fraud. As long as we take care to verify emailed requests for our personal data, we can keep our accounts and identities protected from compromise through devious digital scams.
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.
Meet Stelian Pilici
Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.