A new hoax is targeting Netflix users with fake emails claiming there is a problem with payment and that their account has been deactivated. To resolve the issue, the fraudulent emails instruct recipients to click on a link and enter payment details. If you do that, however, you'll be giving hackers access to your banking information.
According to a submission sent to the The Guardian, the email comes from the email address supportnetflix@checkinformation.com, and looks pretty similar to a legitimate email from Netflix. Police are warning Netflix users not to fall for the scam.
This "It's be Netflix and no chill if you get caught with this scam" tweet from the Hampton North Police is pretty funny, but this is no laughing matter, when you really think about it.
[embed]https://twitter.com/MPSHamptonNorth/status/910095726386049025[/embed]
Some Netflix subscribers who received the scam email also took to Twitter, posting photos of the email in hopes of warning others. This message from Twitter user Henry Hyde reads: "Tweeps, beware this Netflix email scam. DO NOT click any links in the email."
That's always solid advice if you get an email that looks a little bit fishy or less-than-honest to you.
[embed]https://twitter.com/battlegames/status/908347221481082881[/embed]
Another person took to Twitter to warn people to be careful:
https://twitter.com/martinbanni/status/910106592993005569
The email even includes a copyright and the Netflix logo. The full email reads, "Dear User, We’re having some trouble with your current billing information. We’ll try again. But in the meantime you may want to update your payment details. During the next login process, you will be required to provide some informations like (billing info, phone number, payment info).”
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As one of our readers pointed out on Facebook, they used the word "informations" in the email, which is a really good hint that the email is probably not legitimate.
So far, there are only reports of the scam email in the U.K., but all Netflix subscribers should be on the look out. A spokesperson for Netflix issued the following statement regarding the emails:
We take the security of our members’ accounts seriously and Netflix employs numerous proactive measures to detect fraudulent activity to keep the Netflix service and our members’ accounts secure. Unfortunately, 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. Members who want to learn more about how to keep their personal information safe against phishing scams and other malicious activity can go to netflix.com/security or contact Customer Service directly.
It's best to always be wary of emails, especially ones that contain links or attachments. Don't click on anything or download something unless you're sure it's from a trusted source. Here are some more helpful tips on how to avoid scams.
This story originally appeared on Don't Waste Your Money. Checkout Don't Waste Your Money for other great tips and ideas to make the most out of life.
