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Why would someone use a streaming service like Netflix to scam you? The primary purpose is to get access to your financial information. Because millions use this streaming platform, Netflix has become a target-rich environment for cybercriminals.
Scammers use techniques like smishing, a social engineering method, to trick users with fake text messages. These messages can appear legitimate and even use spoofed phone numbers. You may also receive a phishing email to deceive you into revealing private information.
Keep reading to learn about popular Netflix scams and what to do if you've been scammed on Netflix, including investing in identity theft protection services.
Numerous scams can be used to impersonate Netflix representatives, company correspondences, and even your financial institutions. All of these nefarious scams include a tried-and-true way to trick Netflix customers into revealing sensitive info, typically through phishing (deceptive emails) or smishing (deceptive text messages).
Some of these techniques are difficult to spot at first glance, which is why many people fall prey to them. You should be aware of a range of scams, from unsolicited email scams to text message scams promising a gift card or other enticing offers.
Netflix email scams typically appear legitimate. These phishing emails look like they came from Netflix and likely contain a clickable link. These often have a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act fast before you thoroughly check it out. The phishing emails may look like account expiration notices or fake surveys. They may even ask you to verify your account with private data. Real Netflix emails are sent from “@netflix.com.”
Smishing is becoming more mainstream as more people use smartphones. Smishing is like phishing, but instead of emails, the scammer sends text messages to entice users to click malicious links. To receive account access or recovery texts from Netflix, you first need to opt in. If you haven’t, then any texts claiming to be from the company are fake. Remember, Netflix doesn’t ask you for personally identifiable information (PII) or payment details.
Below are some of the most popular Netflix scams. Be aware that this is not an exhaustive list, as scammers constantly develop new ways to steal your data. The best action is to stay abreast of trending scams.
This scam promises hopeful job seekers easy money. Scammers may provide you with an application via a fake website that asks for your personally identifiable information, such as your contact info and Social Security Number, as well as financial account information.
If you receive an email asking for a few minutes of your time in return for a gift card, proceed with caution. These scams encourage you to click on a phishing link that takes you to a fake Netflix page. Your entries are then recorded for the scammers, and unfortunately, there is no gift card.
This is a savvy email message that claims there has been an issue with your membership account information. It may even ask for your current payment data to avoid fraud. If you click the button to restart your membership, you are sent to a fake Netflix website in hopes that you enter your valid credentials.
This is a common phishing method whereby Netflix scammers pretend your account is suspended. The claim may be that your billing information needs to be corrected, and the email contains a link to validate your account. It may even have a more personal touch where the Netflix imposter writes, “We’re sad to see you go” or something similar. Netflix doesn’t ask for personal or financial information in an email or text, including passwords and bank account details.
With this scam, users receive a phishing email or smishing text asking them to fill out a fake Netflix survey. In return, the promise is a free Netflix subscription. Of course, the fake Netflix survey page is really a phishing link that asks for personal and financial details.
Since these scammers often rely on users acting impulsively, they routinely use scare tactics. For example, you may receive email notification of an unauthorized login attempt or suspicious account activity. This Netflix scam aims to get you to enter your personal information before you’ve had time to realize it’s a scam.
These stealthy scammers use phishing to target Netflix customers and breach your smart home network. If you have a smart TV, Roku, or Fire Stick, you may notice unusual pop-up ads blocking your access to Netflix. The ads offer false reports of errors with your Netflix app that encourage you to call a fake customer support number. On the other end of that line is a scammer who attempts to steal your credit or debit card information.
The aim is to trick you into paying an activation fee in order to continue streaming. In some cases, the scammer instructs you to allow them remote access in order to resolve the issue. Once you click any malicious links, malware can download onto your device, allowing the scammer access to your sensitive information.
Although cybercriminals can be sneaky, it’s still possible to spot these Netflix scams. With these prevention tips, you may avoid becoming a victim and remain safe while enjoying the popular streaming service. Follow these tips closely for the best security.
Using the same password without ever updating it gives hackers more opportunities to crack it. Changing your passwords more frequently helps prevent identity theft and unauthorized account access. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols for the strongest password security.
If you get a link from an unknown source, you’d be smart not to open it. When you notice that something looks odd, trust your instinct. Scammers are looking for unsuspecting people to enter personal information.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) requires two forms of identification to access an account, which gives you more security. 2FA keeps your Netflix account safer from online predators trying to scam you.
Netflix won’t ask you to share personal information via text or email. If you get a phishing link asking for your bank account details or Netflix password, that’s a scam. Don’t freely give out any private data.
If you get an email out of the blue, then it most likely did not come from Netflix. Beware of anything suspicious, and look for emails urging you to take immediate action.
Netflix does not ask for personal information or payments through a third party. If you receive an email or text requesting this, report it to Netflix at phishing@netflix.com.
If you receive an email prompting you to click a link, first hover over the link to check the URL. If the link sends you to another website, it could be a phishing or malware attempt. Take your time, and don’t get in a hurry, even if the email claims to be urgent. If you have concerns, contact Netflix directly for a solution.
Many phishing attempts have bad grammar or spelling errors. Your name might be missing or misspelled. A common tactic by scammers is to use a general greeting like “Sir or Madam.” Not having a U.S.-based phone number is also an indication that it’s a phishing email.
Antivirus software helps guard your device and keeps your personal information more secure. Installing an antivirus program is one of the best ways to stay safe online.
Think of identity theft protection as another layer of security. These services can notify you when your personal information is at risk or has been breached. Essentially, your service provider may use phishing protection features to alert you to dangerous Netflix scams before you fall for them. As a bonus, providers may also monitor your credit for unusual activity.
| Service |  |  |
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| Individual monthly price | Starts at $8.29/mo for first yr | Starts at $9.00/mo (billed annually) | Starts at $9.99/mo |
| Family monthly price | Starts at $18.99/mo for first yr | Starts at $25.00/mo (billed annually) | - |
| ID theft insurance | Up to $3 million | Up to $1 million per adult | Up to $2 million |
| Credit monitoring | |||
| 3-bureau credit reports | |||
| Details | Get LifeLock Read Our LifeLock Review |
Get Aura Read Our Aura Review |
Get Omniwatch Read Our Omniwatch Review |
If you suspect you’ve been the target of a Netflix scam, there are some immediate steps you should take to avoid further issues. These precise actions may help mitigate any damage the scammers can do in the future.
Scammers want Netflix account information so that they can steal your identity or access your financial accounts. If they get your personally identifiable information, the criminals may be able to access your most private data.
You can tell if an email is really from Netflix if the email address ends in “@netflix.com” and the sender does not ask for your payment information. Real Netflix links only direct you to the official Netflix website or pages.
If you receive a Netflix verification code without requesting it, do not open the email. You may also want to change your account password as a safety precaution. Netflix asks for email verification when you first sign up for your account. Any further genuine requests for verification codes likely occur if someone else logs into your account outside of your home network. So if you’re prompted to enter a code for a request that you don’t recognize, contact Netflix directly for verification.
Netflix is not suspending accounts without reason. If your payment information is up-to-date, your account is unlikely to be suspended. If you get a notification that it has been, that’s probably a phishing scam.
If you get a suspicious email or text from Netflix, you should not open it or click on any links. You should forward the message to phishing@netflix.com. If you have reservations, trust your instincts. You can always contact Netflix to verify communications.
Phishing and smishing are some of the most common ways scammers attempt to trick unsuspecting users. These techniques include anything from pretending your account has expired to alerting you of supposed suspicious account activity. The people behind these Netflix scams are good at making communications look legitimate.
You can prevent becoming a victim by staying informed of strategies to protect your identity online. Netflix scams evolve, so be sure to check back here frequently to stay updated on the most advanced security methods.
Remember, if you need to enter any personal details online, identity theft protection services may be beneficial to guard your financial data.
Excellent identity theft protection service
Includes a password manager and VPN
Robust tools for children’s security
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