Netflix subscribers need to be on the lookout for a scam e-mail that tries to trick viewers into believing their accounts have been put “on hold”. The scam message, which appears to be dangerously convincing, was flagged by Action Fraud – the UK’s national fraud and cyber reporting centre. It has received over 1,400 reports about the fake Netflix message. Those who fall for the scam risk handing over personal financial details, which could cost them a small fortune.
Like with other Netflix scams, the latest con sees a convincing looking e-mail sent out claiming to be from the streaming giant. The message says your Netflix account has been put “on hold” due to issues processing payments.
The unsuspecting recipient is then directed to a website where they are asked to re-enter their credit or debit card details. As you’d expect, this email is part of an elaborate hoax to try to trick users into handing over sensitive details.
Action Fraud has warned Netflix users about the latest scam, which could lead to con-artists stealing funds from victims’ accounts. On Twitter, Action Fraud posted: “Have you received one of these emails asking you to update your Netflix account details? Don’t take the bait!
“The emails are FAKE and the links lead to genuine-looking sites that are designed to steal your Netflix password, personal + financial information”.
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They went onto add: “Don’t let these FAKE Netflix emails interrupt your binge viewing! Action Fraud has received over 1,400 reports in June about fake emails purporting to be from Netflix. The emails state that the recipient’s account is ‘on hold’ due to payment issues.
“The links provided in the emails lead to genuine-looking phishing websites that are designed to steal Netflix login details, as well as personal and financial information. Your bank, or any other official organisation, won’t ask you to share personal information over email or text.
“If you need to check that it’s a genuine message, call them directly.”
Action Fraud also said if you have spotted a suspicious looking email then you can forward it to their Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS). The email address is [email protected].
You can also click here to be directed to the Action Fraud website where there are more details on how to report a phishing attempt.
The website says: “Cyber criminals use fake messages as bait to lure you into clicking on the links within their scam email or text message, or to give away sensitive information (such as bank details).
“These messages may look like the real thing but are malicious. Once clicked, you may be sent to a dodgy website which could download viruses onto your computer, or steal your passwords.
“If you think you may have been the victim of fraud or cyber crime and incurred a financial loss as a resulting of responding to a phishing message, you should report this to Action Fraud.”
If you have already been the victim of this scam, and have provided sensitive details such as credit card information, then be sure to contact your bank to notify them.
Likewise, if you have handed over any sensitive login details then you should change this password and the passwords of any other accounts that use the same login.