Phishing scam targets AAA Members

Phishing scam targets AAA Members

Beware of emails promising free “car emergency kit”
Kip Doyle
Phishing graphic

 We want to alert our valued AAA Members about a phishing scam targeting some personal email addresses. Fraudsters are sending emails congratulating recipients on winning a “car emergency kit” or that a “car emergency kit” reward is set to expire. 

These offers are not legitimate and did not originate from AAA Western and Central New York. 

The phrase “car emergency kit” is common among these phishing emails in the subject or body. Below are some examples, which include some oddly formatted text:

  • You Hαve Won ɑn AAA Cɑr Emᥱrgᥱncy kit
  • Expiring Soon: Your Car Emergency Kit Reward
  • Re: You have won a Car Emergency Kit
  • 𝐥𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐲 ! 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐀𝐀𝐀 𝐜𝐚𝐫 𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐤𝐢𝐭
  • You are the Lucky Online Winner of a Free AAA car emergency kit!
  • CELEBRATING AAA ANNIVERSARY WITH AN AAA CAR EMERGENCY KIT

Some of the phishing emails use the words "Your Opinion Matters" and claim to link to a survey in exchange for a "car emergency kit." 

 

If you received this phishing email, do not click it. Delete the email from your inbox.

The phishing emails originate from several random addresses, but emails from AAA Western and Central New York only come from “@nyaaa.com” email addresses.

Phishing scams are designed to steal your personal information, and we urge you to be cautious. AAA will never ask for sensitive information, such as your credit card or password, via email or offer unsolicited gifts in this manner.

 

How to recognize a phishing email:

  • Look for red flags: Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency. If the email insists you act quickly, double-check the sender's address and contact AAA directly if you're unsure.
  • Check the sender's email address: Always verify the domain in the sender’s email address. A legitimate communication from AAA Western and Central New York will come from a verified "@nyaaa.com" address.
  • Don't click on suspicious links: Hover over links before clicking to see the actual URL. If it looks suspicious or unfamiliar, don’t click it.
  • Keep personal information safe: AAA will never ask for sensitive personal information like passwords or credit card details via email.
  • When in doubt, contact us: If you're unsure about an email, reach out to AAA directly at aaa_email@nyaaa.com to verify its authenticity.

 

Your security is important to us, and we’re here to support you.  All AAA Members receive ProtectMyID® Essential identity protection service. Activate your plan today.

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