SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/sec-payment-link-email

An email says your payment failed and gives a link to update your card. What is the FTC's rule?

Real companies do not send a link to update payment info by email or text.

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  1. Real companies often do this to be helpful
  2. Only if the email has the company logo
  3. Real companies won't email or text a payment update link ✔

Why: Logos are easy to copy. If you think the problem is real, go to the company's site yourself or call a number you already trust.

Huh, didn't know that: The FTC lists a fake billing problem and a link to update payment details among the classic phishing signs.

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Why are emails so lonely? They are afraid of attachments.
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References

Answer: Real companies won't email or text a payment update link. Logos are easy to copy. If you think the problem is real, go to the company's site yourself or call a number you already trust.

  1. FTC: How To Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams
    legitimate companies won’t email or text with a link to update your payment information.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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