Mar 16, 2026
Imagine getting an email or text that says you can get a “free” roadside emergency kit from AAA that includes a flashlight, jumper cables, ice scraper and more. Does it seem too good to be true?
That’s because what looks like a perk is actually a phishing scam — and it’s fooling people because it’s harder to spot.
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Unlike the typical typo-filled scam messages you’ve learned to ignore, these emails and texts look professional and seem like something the organization itself might send. This is exactly what makes them dangerous.
With roughly 60 million AAA members across North America, and about 1 in 4 U.S. households (1), the scam has a huge pool of potential victims. Here’s what to look out for.
Why this scam works so well
It happened to Ellen Little, a longtime AAA member, who spotted the first suspicious email while scrolling through her inbox. She told Action 9 (WSOC) (2) that it read: “Congratulations! You Qualify for Enhanced Roadside Support.”
“It listed some wonderful things. And if [they were] free, it is [wonderful],” Little told the news outlet.
She says the email looked legitimate, and that the idea of a free car kit felt like exactly the kind of perk a AAA member might get.
Over the next month, Little said she received two more similar messages, each urging her to click a link to claim her prize. That’s when the alarm bells rang.
“They don’t care what they’re doing because they just want to get rich quick,” Little said about the scammers. Thankfully, she didn’t click.
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Most phishing attempts can be easy to spot. Spelling mistakes, poor formatting or poorly done graphics often give them away. These emails, however, are concise, professional and fully branded — making them look legitimate even to savvy consumers.
It’s also worth noting that the offer itself is plausible. AAA does provide member perks, promotional offers and emails about benefits from time to time. A free roadside kit doesn’t seem out of character.
AAA has issued warnings to its members in multiple regions, including an alert on the AAA Club Alliance site (3) and on Facebook (4).
“We are aware of fraudulent emails or SMS text messages branded as AAA that have been sent to recipients congratulating them on ‘winning’ or offering an ‘expiring car emergency kit.’ Over the past several months, we have communicated with our members about these scams, which are unfortunately common across many organizations,” AAA told Action 9.
“AAA did not send these messages and advises anyone who receives them not to open or click on any links and to delete them immediately. AAA will never ask for sensitive information via unsolicited messages.”
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Clicking a link in one of these emails or texts could expose victims to identity theft or financial fraud, since scammers often try to collect personal information, login credentials or payment details.
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How to protect yourself
Consumer protection experts like those at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) say there’s one simple habit that can protect you from nearly all phishing attempts: never trust contact information in an unexpected message (5).
Instead, follow these steps:
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Ignore the link. Don’t click on any links in unsolicited emails or texts.
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Don’t call contact numbers listed. Scammers often provide phone numbers that connect you directly to them instead of the official phone number for the organization they’re pretending to be.
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Verify independently. Look up the organization’s official website or contact customer service directly.
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Check for red flags. Even slick, polished messages may have subtle signs, like a slightly off URL or unusual timing.
Use this approach for all unsolicited emails or texts, whether the message claims to be from AAA, the IRS, a bank or even a jury summons. Real companies or agencies won’t send you a link to update your personal or payment information, notes the FTC.
Phishing scams are evolving. Sloppy, typo-ridden emails or texts are being replaced by highly convincing, professional-looking messages designed to prey on trust and create a sense of urgency. With millions of AAA members at risk, and offers that sound perfectly reasonable, the danger is real and easy to underestimate.
Ellen Little’s story is a cautionary tale, but despite receiving three emails over a month, she stayed vigilant and avoided clicking. Her experience highlights a simple rule: when in doubt, don’t trust what’s in your inbox and go straight to the source instead.
Article Sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.
(1) AAA Newsroom; (2) WSOC-TV; (3) AAA Club Alliance; (4) Facebook; (5) Federal Trade Commission
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Jessica is a freelance writer with a professional background in economic development and small business consulting. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Sociology and is completing her Publishing Certificate.
