In today’s digital world, scams and phishing attacks have become increasingly sophisticated, targeting individuals through seemingly legitimate emails designed to steal personal and financial information. One common example is phishing emails that impersonate trusted companies like American Express, using urgent and fear-inducing language to trick recipients into clicking on malicious links. Award-winning tech journalist Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson recently shared insights into how these scams operate and, more importantly, practical steps you can take to protect yourself from falling victim.
Phishing emails often arrive with alarming subject lines such as “Resolve Unusual Activity on Your American Express Account Now,” aiming to create a sense of panic and urgency. These messages typically claim that your account has been temporarily restricted and that immediate verification is required to restore access. They often look remarkably official, featuring company logos, customer support tones, and even including partial account numbers to appear authentic. However, a closer inspection usually reveals subtle but telling signs that the email is fraudulent.
Some of the red flags Kurt points out include suspicious sender email addresses that don’t match the official domain of the company, poor grammar or awkward phrasing, generic greetings rather than personalized messages, and requests to provide sensitive information such as passwords, full credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers. Legitimate companies like American Express will never ask for such details over email. Recognizing these clues is your first line of defense against phishing attempts.
In addition to detecting fake emails, it’s crucial to adopt strong digital habits that bolster your security. One of the most effective measures is enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on your financial accounts. This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a secondary verification code—usually sent to your phone or generated by an app—before access is granted. Even if a scammer obtains your password through a phishing attack, they cannot log in without this additional code. Most banks and credit card companies offer 2FA for free, and activating it today significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized account access.
Another valuable but often overlooked strategy involves using data removal services to minimize your digital footprint. These services work to scrub your personal information from data broker websites that collect and sell details to advertisers, marketers, and unfortunately, scammers. By limiting the amount of personal data available online, you make it more difficult for attackers to craft convincing phishing emails tailored specifically to you. While these services cannot guarantee complete removal of your information, they provide continuous monitoring and active removal efforts, offering peace of mind and an extra barrier against identity theft.
Keeping your software updated is also essential. Outdated browsers and antivirus programs can leave vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit to deliver phishing links or malware. Setting your software to update automatically ensures you always have the latest security patches, helping to shield your devices from attacks. Additionally, good antivirus software does more than block viruses; it detects phishing attempts, scans emails, and warns you about unsafe websites before you click. Choosing antivirus programs that offer comprehensive protection—including real-time web protection and email scanning—can prevent many scams from reaching you in the first place.
When it comes to interacting with your accounts, it’s best practice to avoid clicking links in emails altogether. Instead, manually type the official website address into your browser or use a trusted app to log in. Regularly reviewing your bank and credit card statements for unfamiliar transactions allows you to catch fraud early and report it before further damage occurs. Remember, phishing emails often pressure you to act quickly; taking a moment to pause and assess the legitimacy of the message can thwart many scams.
Monitoring services that track your personal information on the dark web provide another layer of security. These services alert you if your email address, passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive data appear in stolen data caches. Early detection enables you to take prompt action, such as changing passwords, freezing your credit, or notifying your bank to prevent financial loss. Some identity theft protection companies even assist with freezing accounts and provide support if your information is misused.
It’s important to familiarize yourself with how legitimate communications from your financial institutions look and sound. Genuine messages rarely, if ever, ask for full account numbers, passwords, or security codes via email. If you receive a suspicious email, forward it to the company’s official fraud department and delete it immediately. Trusting your instincts is vital—if something feels off, it probably is.
In the unfortunate event that malware is installed on your computer as a result of a phishing attack, having secure backups of your important files can save you from devastating