Amex Phishing Alert: 10 Ways to Protect Yourself

American Express (Amex) customers in the U.S. are being warned about a surge in sophisticated phishing scams impersonating the company. On October 28, 2025, Fox News and other major news outlets reported a sharp increase in these attacks targeting Amex cardholders, emphasizing 10 precautions users can take to protect themselves. Experts warn that attempts to steal personal information via email, text message, and phone are on the rise, with increasingly sophisticated phishing techniques leveraging the latest technology. Users are urged to be vigilant and cautious of suspicious communications. The seriousness of this phishing campaign stems from the potential for it to evolve beyond stealing personal financial information and into attempts to compromise national security. Cybersecurity experts stress the need for collaboration between the government, businesses, and individuals to actively counter these threats.

Phishing scams are not only about stealing financial data; they are a serious crime that erodes trust in society. When scammers target widely used financial services like American Express, the potential damage is enormous. In this environment, users must take proactive steps to protect themselves. First, never respond to emails, texts, or phone calls from unknown or suspicious senders. Avoid clicking links that request personal or financial information. Instead, get in the habit of verifying directly through official websites or apps. It's also crucial to change passwords regularly and actively use security features like two-factor authentication. If you believe you’ve been a victim of a phishing scam, immediately report it to your financial institution and file a police report. Consider subscribing to credit monitoring services to prevent further damage from potential identity theft. Governments and financial institutions must strengthen education and awareness campaigns to prevent phishing scams and quickly share information on the latest techniques used by fraudsters.

Combating increasingly sophisticated phishing attacks requires not only technical readiness but also increased public awareness. Many users are still unaware of the risks of phishing scams and fall victim easily. Therefore, governments and companies should expand educational programs on phishing prevention and raise awareness through various communication channels, especially targeted education for seniors and those less familiar with digital devices. Also, support systems for phishing victims should be strengthened, and legal and institutional frameworks should be established to help victims recover. Cybersecurity experts emphasize the importance of developing AI-powered detection systems to combat phishing scams. AI can analyze vast amounts of data to identify phishing attack patterns and detect suspicious activity in real time. Blockchain technology can also be used to prevent personal data breaches and create a secure financial transaction environment. Governments should actively support the development of these technologies and promote policies to foster related industries.

Meanwhile, on October 28, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of the nomination of Joel Rayburn, former Special Envoy for Syria, to be Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs. Rayburn's nomination was made in February, and a hearing was held in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in May, but faced opposition from Republican Senator Rand Paul and Democratic committee members. Also, President Donald J. Trump is currently in Malaysia and stated, "There is still hope that Hamas will do the right thing. If they don't, the end of Hamas will be quick, fierce, and brutal!" Amidst these international developments, in South Korea, President Lee Jae-myung and other government officials are making multifaceted efforts to eradicate phishing scams. The government is strengthening cooperation with financial institutions to build phishing prevention systems and focusing on providing users with practical information. Also, countermeasures against phishing attacks using the latest technologies are being prepared in cooperation with cybersecurity experts.

The government plans to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks to eradicate phishing scams and increase penalties for criminals. It also plans to strengthen international cooperation to prevent phishing scams and actively participate in sharing relevant information. In addition to these efforts, users must not neglect their own efforts to protect themselves. It is important to pay attention to suspicious contacts and raise awareness of personal information protection. Also, it is important to actively use the latest security technologies and get into the habit of periodically checking financial transaction details. Government, businesses, and individuals must all work together to create a safe society free from phishing scams.

10 Ways to Protect Yourself From Amex Phishing Scams

To protect yourself from phishing scams impersonating American Express (Amex), keep in mind and follow these 10 precautions:

1. Beware of suspicious emails and text messages: Never open or immediately delete emails or text messages from unknown senders or with suspicious content. Be especially careful of messages that request personal or financial information, as they are likely phishing scams.
2. Avoid clicking links: Do not click on links contained in emails or text messages. It is safer to access information directly through the official website or app.
3. Do not respond to requests for personal information: Never respond to requests for personal or financial information by phone, email, or text message. Most financial institutions, including American Express, do not request personal information by phone or email.
4. Use strong passwords: Set passwords that are at least 8 characters long, combining letters, numbers, and special characters, and change them regularly. Also, be careful not to use the same password on multiple websites.
5. Enable two-factor authentication: Enhance security by enabling two-factor authentication on your American Express account. Two-factor authentication prevents account hacking by requiring an additional authentication step in addition to your password.
6. Install and update antivirus software: Install antivirus software on your computer and smartphone and keep it updated to the latest version. Antivirus software helps prevent malware infections and blocks access to phishing sites.
7. Be careful when using public Wi-Fi: Because of the risk of personal information leakage when using public Wi-Fi, refrain from financial transactions and it is safer to use a VPN (virtual private network).
8. Avoid accessing suspicious websites: Refrain from accessing websites with unclear origins or without security certification. Be especially careful when you need to enter personal or financial information.
9. Periodically check financial transaction history: Periodically check your American Express card usage history and report any suspicious transactions to your financial institution immediately.
10. Report phishing scams immediately: If you believe you have been a victim of a phishing scam, immediately report it to your financial institution and file a police report. Consider subscribing to credit monitoring services to prevent further damage from potential identity theft.