Netflix Email Scam Targets Millions of Subscribers

It seems scammers this season are all out to rip off unsuspecting users and consumers of online products and services. Just yesterday, there were reports on a fake Whatsapp app on Google Playstore that recorded a whooping 1million downloads.

Now Netflix subscribers are the latest targets of a new phishing scam trying to trick users of the streaming service into thinking that accounts are in danger of being suspended.

A recent Netflix email scam has been targeting subscribers of the popular streaming service telling them that their account is about to be cancelled. The well-designed, individualized fake email convinces customers to update their account information to avoid suspension. This results in stolen personal and credit card information.

The email has the subject line “Your suspension notification” and includes a link where the subscriber is taken to a fake Netflix page which requires their log-in information as well as credit card number.

The scam was detected earlier today and it targeted nearly 110 million Netflix subscribers. As mentioned, the fake site includes Netflix’s logo as well as popular Netflix shows like The Crown and House of Cards to make it seem legitimate. People with accounts should remain vigilant for these bogus suspension emails to avoid getting their personal information compromised.

MailGuard, posted an image of the rather convincing email where the recipient field failed to name the receiver, instead putting in a placeholder.

When users click on the “restart membership” button, they are taken to a bogus website that uses Netflix imagery, including a still from Netflix show The Crown.

However, Netflix provided a statement Monday assuring that it takes “the security of its members’ accounts seriously.” It also noted that phishing scams have become a regular problem for online-based products and companies.

“Netflix employs numerous proactive measures to detect fraudulent activity to keep the Netflix service and our members’ accounts secure,” the company’s statement said.

“Unfortunately, these scams are common on the internet and target popular brands such as Netflix and other companies with large customer bases to lure users into giving out personal information.”

Netflix also referred users to its website’s security page to learn more about keeping personal information safe, or suggested contacting its customer service department directly.