Question

What type of social engineering attack uses email to direct you to their their website where they claim you need to update/validate your information and threatens dire consequences if you don't?

Answer 1

Phishing is the social engineering attack which uses email to direct you to their their website where they claim you need to update/validate your information and threatens dire consequences if you don't. This type of attack tells you to go to a counterfeit copy of a legitimate web site and enter private or security information. These private information can be later used for identity theft or to access to your financial resources.

Answer 2

As far as I remember this type of social engineering attack is called fishing. You should be more patient. Check all the links you receive. They can be similar to links to the official websites, but there could be little differences. If you noticed this difference, DON'T follow this link. They will grab your e-mail and your password will be changed automatically.