Learn how to identify scams and
protect yourself
Use this guide to help you identify various types of scams
and protect yourself better. Always keep your details secure so you
can continue to use your American Express® Card with confidence.
Learn how to identify scams and
protect yourself
Use this guide to help you identify various types
of scams and protect yourself better.
Always keep your details secure so you can continue
to use your American Express® Card with confidence.
Scam protection
Criminals have developed ways to impersonate people and gain access to their personal details for financial gain.
At Amex, we want to ensure we help you understand more about these scams and how to keep yourself safe.
Types of scams
| Threat or penalty scams These scams involve the threat of penalty or harm to scare or intimidate people into taking a course of action that can result in a loss of their money. Watch out for: |
- Unsolicited contact via email, phone or social media from someone pretending to be from a government agency or law enforcement agency. The scammers often threaten "extreme" consequences if urgent steps are not taken
- A request for payment through unusual methods, e.g. gift cards, store cards, bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies
| Impersonation scams This is when a scammer makes direct contact with you, pretending to be a familiar person or someone from a trusted organisation. Their goal is to gain access to your personal information, American Express Card details, or American Express "One-time codes". Watch out for: |
- Calls or messages that appear to be from a legitimate American Express phone number
- A request for an American Express "One-time code" after the initial contact. Amex will NEVER ask for a code after contacting you
- A request for your help regarding "Unauthorised transactions"
| Online shopping scams Fraudulent online sites are designed to look like a genuine website or an online ad. They usually offer in-demand goods or services or tickets at unusually low or "on-sale" prices. Watch out for: |
- Check online reviews to see if there are any warnings from other consumers
- Ask yourself realistically if the price seems too low, or too good to be true
- Check whether the seller has a publicly viewable profile
- If the seller is creating a sense of urgency, don't rush or respond hastily
| Investment scams These scams are designed to look like a genuine investment opportunity and usually offer high returns with minimal or no risk. Watch out for: |
- Opportunities that offer HIGH returns with LOW risk
- An unsolicited approach from someone offering investment opportunities
- Check online reviews to see if there are warning signals from other consumers
| Romance scams Romance scammers create fake online identities and try to establish romantic online relationships. Their goal is to progressively lure you into a "relationship" for their own financial gain. Watch out for: |
- Someone who only wants online contact
- Attempts to prey on vulnerabilities or create an emotional connection to gain financial support
- A change in the relationship dynamic from affectionate to desperate, or even threatening
- A request to add them as an Additional Card Member on your Amex Card Account
| Remote access scams These scams usually involve an unsolicited call, email or SMS from someone pretending to be from a reputable organisation. They typically claim they need access to your computer to resolve an issue. Watch out for: |
- An unexpected request from a reputable organisation. Trusted organisations would never request access to your device or Account through unsolicited contact
- Persistent requests to access your device or Account, or threatening or abusive contact
- A request from American Express to access your device; Amex will NEVER request this
| Digital Wallet scams This type of scam involves an unsolicited call, email or SMS requesting you to share American Express Card details or one-time codes. The aim is to source information that would enable a scammer to enter your Card details into a digital wallet to complete transactions on your American Express Card Account. Watch out for: |
- A request for an American Express "One-time code" after contacting you. Amex will NEVER ask for a code after contacting you
- An email or SMS requesting you to click on a link that could direct you to a scammer's website. The website will be designed to mimic a reputable organisation and request your personal information and/or American Express Card details
How to protect yourself with Amex
STOP
Don't give the details below to anyone if you are unsure who they are:
- Card number/details
- Passwords
- One-time codes
- Personal information
CHECK
Take time to make sure:
- Check who you're dealing with
- Ask yourself if the message or call could be fake
- Contact the organisation directly on an independently sourced number
PROTECT
Act quickly if something feels wrong:
- Delete the email
- Hang up, and
- Block the number
Be vigilant and look out for:
- Messages or emails that have spelling mistakes or incorrect grammar
- Emails that come from senders with unfamiliar email addresses or from an address that appears like that of a reputable organisation
- Communication that has a call to action, e.g. "Login to your Account", "Block your Card" or "Update your personal information"
- News of an unexpected inheritance or a claim that you have won a prize
- Be alert for fake websites
Start by double-checking a website’s URL to make sure it looks authentic. A URL usually matches the company’s name. Carefully look or any extra characters in the URL. Then verify the contact information and check for contact details, including the physical address and customer support
Keep yourself safe:
- Don't click on links
- Don't share your American Express passwords
- Don't share any one-time code American Express sends you
- Don't open any attachments you weren't expecting
How American Express helps protect you
Enhanced Authorisation
This is a fraud prevention feature provided via American Express that better identifies who is on the other end of transactions.
American Express SafeKey®
American Express SafeKey is a security feature that detects and helps reduce online fraud by confirming a Card Member's identity during online purchases. You may be asked to provide a dynamic One-time Code (OTC) that you receive by email or at your mobile phone number for transactions to confirm your identity.
Fraud/Scam Alerts
Our Fraud/Scam Alerts let you know if we spot anything odd or unusual on your Account.
How can you be sure that it's American Express contacting you?
We will never call you and ask for the following:
| One-time verification codes |
| Logins or passwords |
| Your Card details or PIN |
How to report a scam
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.