Warning: Phony 'Phishing' Bank Email Tells Customers To Share Private Data Or Risk Account Suspension

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF)-- A phony email is circulating encouraging bank customers to share personal data online or risk account suspension.

The message is addressed to Bank of America and American Express customers and has an 'attached file' to download with instructions to update "necessary fields."

Dear American Express customer,
We have recently detected that a different computer user has attempted gaining access to your online account and multiple passwords were attempted with your user ID.
It is necessary to re-confirm your account information and complete a profile update.
You can do this by downloading the attached file and updating the necessary fields.
Note: If this process is not completed within 24-48 hours we will be forced to suspend your account online access as it may have been used for fraudulent purposes.
Completion of this update will avoid any possible problems with your account.
Thank you for being a valued customer.
(C) 2015 American Express. All rights reserved

Customers who share private data such as credit card information, driver's license and social security numbers, PINS or passwords, even their full name online risk identity theft.

Downloading suspicious attachments may introduce malicious spyware to computers.

If you have any doubts as to the authenticity of an email from any bank, contact the bank directly.