This scam started around the height of the holiday travel season in November and is still going strong even though it's January.

Will of Colorado Springs just got an email. Thanks to him for passing it along!

Here's how it works. You get an email or emails that show up in your inbox claiming to be from American Airlines. One looks like an e-ticket for an upcoming flight. Another is an offer of $50 if you take a survey.

You're urged to follow a link and open an attachment. The bad guys want you to disclose your password to the airline's reward program. Don't do it. You don't want the crooks getting your personal information and stealing your reward miles.

How do you know it's phony? First, ask yourself if you've booked an American Airlines flight.

Second, check the flight number. AA984 is a flight from Montevideo airport in Uruguay to Miami, Florida.

If that isn't confirmation enough, go to American Airlines site.

It warns you that the emails are phony and your best bet is to delete them and stay away. The airline is investigating, but chances are the crooks are overseas so it pays to be smart and listen to your instincts.