AMEX gift card reminder value scam?

[Anonymous]

Recently got a mailer from AMEX saying I have about $100 left over in an AMEX gift card and includes a form on which I can choose to 1. let them re-issue a new card of the left over value 2. forgo it (i.e. gifted it to someone else). The mailer also mentions that if I do not fax/mail back the form they'll hand the reminder value over to the state as 'unclaimed property.'

I vaguely recall of buying an AGC a long time ago, but find it strange that AMEX can associate my address with that AGC as even though I have their credit cards, I probably purchased the AGC from a grocery store. But anyways I checked box 1 (re-issue) and faxed the form back.

I soon received another mailer requesting me to fax them copies of my utility bill and photo ID, which caused me to become a bit worried about the whole situation (namely, are they actually AMEX and are legitmately trying to help me with leftover gift card balance that might expire soon? or are they someone else trying to 'phish' for identity details under AMEX's name? Would they comeback and ask for more info if I send them the requested photocopies?

Anyone got similar requests from AMEX and turned out to be legit?

Anyone heard of any phishing/scam schema like this?

Should I send them those documents or should I simply wait for them to turn it over to the state and then ask the state for it?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I would initiate a call to Amex, ask for the department that handles this, verify everything including the fax number before proceeding, should have done this in round one.

[Brian_Earl_Spilner]

I've never given or received a gift card that required personal information. And that includes Amex.

[Medic981]

Am I understanding correctly that this "mailer" came via US mail? If it is a scam and they are attempting to social engineer and phish for information it is also adding mail fraud to the list of offenses. If you feel this is potentially fraudulent, then I would file a complaint with the US Postal Inspection Service and let them sort it out.

[Blackswizz750]

Be safe as I have never heard of a Gift Card wanting personal info. Check with AMEX to see if any fishy buisness is happening. 

[UncleB]

If the Amex gift card was purchased directly from Amex they will have your name/address info.

An Amex GC that I bought as a gift for someone (purchased from Amex) had a small balance left over and eventually Amex sent a similar notice to my address but with the recipients name.  Note that in this case the GC was personalized, so it made sense.

Amex will also have the recipient's info if the card was ever registered for online/mail purchases.