Stay Safe when you shop online
Whether you're browsing, shopping, or managing your account online, follow these
essential tips to help protect your personal and financial information.
Beware of Fake e-Challan Scams
Fraudsters may send fake traffic e-challan messages, claiming you need to pay immediately to avoid legal action. These messages often display a small challan amount to encourage payment. However, once the Card details and OTP are entered, the actual transaction may be processed for a significantly higher amount.
Scammers may share messages containing unsolicited payment links or OTPs which may:
- Compromise your banking, Card, or personal information.
- Allow fraudulent transactions on your Card.
- Install viruses or malware applications on your device.
Here’s what you can do:
- Review the merchant name and amount in the OTP message before authorising any payment
- Check that government websites use a “.gov.in” domain
- Verify details on official portals—genuine sites may ask for vehicle details like engine or chassis number.
Stay vigilant and report:
- If you suspect fraud or have already been affected, report it immediately:
- Call 1930
- Visit www.cybercrime.gov.in *
- Or call the number on the back of your Card to secure your Account. - Report suspected fraud communications received within the last 30 days on the ‘Chakshu’ portal at sancharsaathi.gov.in/sfc*
* By clicking on the above link, you will be redirected to a third-party website.
Make sure websites are genuine
Before entering any sensitive information online, take a moment to verify that the website is secure and trustworthy:
- Look for ‘https’ in the website URL, as the “s” stands for secure.
- Check for a lock icon in the address bar of your browser.
- Avoid clicking on unfamiliar links received via email, SMS, or pop-up ads.
- Be cautious of websites offering deals that appear too good to be true.
Protect your mobile privacy and stay secure
Here are some things you can do to safeguard your device, control app access, and stay protected online.
- Keep your device operating system and Amex App updated regularly.
- Install reputable anti-virus software to protect yourself against malware, spyware, and phishing.
- Download apps only from trusted sources such as official app stores and grant permissions only when necessary.
- Avoid connecting to unsecured or unknown Wi-Fi networks.
- Never download remote access apps from unfamiliar sources and use them with caution.
- Enable security features to track or erase lost devices.
- Secure your devices using PINs, biometric authentication, and strong passwords.
- Review app permissions regularly and allow only necessary access. Limit background activity, turn off ad tracking, and delete unused apps.
- Avoid unsecured networks and turn off connectivity features when not in use. Back up data with trusted providers and enable encryption and two-factor authentication.
Be Cautious of fake Card application scams
Protect yourself from fraudsters that may try to lure you with false American Express® Card offers or application links.
- Never make any payment to process an American Express® Card application.
- Apply only through the official American Express India website.
- You can report any suspicious messages or calls to American Express. Contact us.
Beware of malware apps
Fraudsters may share links or QR codes via SMS, email, WhatsApp or social media to download fake apps that mimic the official American Express® App. These malicious apps are designed to steal your personal and financial information.
- Fake apps can impersonate legitimate banking institutions.
- Steal your login credentials and sensitive details like Cardholder Name, Card number, CVV, and Card expiry date.
- Gain remote access to your device and lock you out.
- Enable unauthorized transactions on your Card.
- Download apps only from trusted sources such as Google Play; avoid APKs from third-party or unknown websites.
- Do not click on unsolicited links received via SMS, WhatsApp, email or social media, especially those promoting financial apps or updates.
- Always verify the authenticity of apps before entering personal or banking information.
- Use a reliable mobile security solution to detect malicious apps, phishing attempts and suspicious activity.
- Be cautious of unusual update prompts outside official app stores—they may indicate malware.
Additional resources for your protection
If you are a victim or suspect that your online safety has been compromised, immediately report it to the cybercrime authorities at cybercrime.gov.in or by calling 1930.
* By clicking on the above link, you will be redirected to a third-party website.