One of the most common types of email fraud is called “phishing”. Phishing is the practice of sending phony email messages that are disguised as legitimate and often include company logos that look real. A typical phishing email will include a false claim about a customer’s account and either a link or button that takes them to a “spoof” website that mimics a reputable company’s actual website, in hopes that they will disclose personal information such as a credit card number or account information. Some phishing emails may also have attachments which may contain potential email viruses. Traditional phishing happens exclusively via the Internet with emails and attachments, but offline phishing involves sending direct faxes and/or postal mailings to consumers or businesses as well.
Examples of Phishing Emails, Faxes, Contracts and Postal Mailings
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Latest Email Example
Example Postal Mailing
Example Fax
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Example of Phishing Email with our partner carrier British Airways
What To Do If You Receive a Phishing Email, Fax, Contract or Postal Mailing
American Airlines will never ask you to perform security-related changes to your account in this fashion or send emails to collect user names, passwords, email addresses or other personal information. If you receive an email claiming to be from American Airlines, that asks for account information, it should be considered fraudulent and an attempt to obtain personal information that may be used to commit fraud.
If you receive this type of email, do not click on any links, open any attachments, call any phone numbers listed or follow any instructions in the email. Instead, forward a copy of the email, including the header to webmaster@aa.comso that we can investigate further.
If you receive a phishing fax or postal mailing, please scan the examples and forward via email to webmaster@aa.com.
You may also want to file a complaint with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.