AOL Security Update E mails - scam or not?

[beansprout]

Hi,

I am receiving regular e mails from AOL asking me to update my security.

Worried that it might be a scam so before doing anything, could some good people advise me please.

Thanks in advance.

[Laur]

Be careful, these links may help you decide.

https://scamicide.com/2020/07/04/scam-of-the-day-july-5-2020-new-aol-phishing-scam

https://help.aol.co.uk/articles/what-is-aol-certified-mail

[ianr]

Laur wrote:

-----------

> Be careful, these links may help you decide.

>

> https://scamicide.com/2020/07/04/scam-of-the-day-july-5-2020-new-aol-phishing-scam

>

> https://help.aol.co.uk/articles/what-is-aol-certified-mail

[eastdulwichforum.co.uk] might also be worth a look.

[beansprout]

Thank you - what are other AOL if any are on here doing? Asking as I am unsure and not teck savie.

[Chick]

It's a scam. Answer it and friends will email asking if you are in trouble and need help. One clue is they may say they have lost their "cell phone" rather than mobile.

[beansprout]

Grateful thanks Chick.

[KidKruger]

the reply email can be a clue too (I think !).

[beansprout]

Tks KK - only use my phone - will delete and pray

[ianr]

beansprout, I've pm'd you.

[Loutwo]

I use AOL and I can confirm it is NOT a scam. They are no longer allowing third party applications to use their email system unless it matches all the current security updates. It?s mostly because they want people to use their own app, but it?s easily fixed by deleting the mail app on your phone and reinstalling with your stored passwords.

Louisa.

[Gaynor Hill]

I've had it for a few year redid the security as got worried last year then had a official notice from them saying account had be used in Nigeria had to redo it all again now just ignore it AOL even phoned me from USA about it it stoped for awhile then started again my husband has aol and has never had this just shows its a scam

Hope this helps

[Sue]

Loutwo Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I use AOL and I can confirm it is NOT a scam. They

> are no longer allowing third party applications to

> use their email system unless it matches all the

> current security updates. It?s mostly because they

> want people to use their own app, but it?s easily

> fixed by deleting the mail app on your phone and

> reinstalling with your stored passwords.

>

> Louisa.

I don't understand this?

I have two AOL email addresses which I have had for years and rarely use, but I still get emails being sent to them, and one is a back up address for my gmail addresses.

I went onto them yesterday and found several of these security update emails over a period of time, including a recent "final warning."

I have AOL on both my laptop and my mobile.

I don't understand this stuff about "third party applications".

Can someone explain in very simple non technical language?

[RichH]

It just means that your access to your AOL account/email may be denied if you're using an application made by another company (a third-party) that AOL deems to be insecure or untrustworthy.

[KidKruger]

ie. Outlook (on laptop), or whatever mail app your phone has (usually a phone's mail app has to be pointed to AOL/whatever provider the email traffic will be operated through).

[JohnL]

I thought America Online was the online version of Pan Am.

[Sue]

OK thank you, I think I will just hope for the best :))