Your Netflix account isn’t suspended: How to avoid the latest text message fraud
- The latest text message scam claims your Netflix account has been suspended
- Links to a fake Netflix login screen that steals your information
- Netflix will never ask for your personal information in a text message
If you recently received a text message saying your Netflix account has been suspended, chances are it’s a scam. Fraudsters are targeting phone numbers in 23 countries with a new text messaging campaign in an attempt to trick Netflix users of their account details and payment details.
With more than 280 million paying subscribers worldwide, it’s no surprise that scammers would use Netflix as the hook in a phishing scheme. Even if the fraudulent message is sent with a distribution weapon, chances are many of the recipients have a Netflix account – and may be tricked into giving up their personal information.
According to screenshots We’ve seen that there are a few variations of the fake SMS, including versions in different languages. Each text message (see below) has the same basic structure: it claims to be from Netflix and indicates that there was a problem processing the subscription payment for your account. You will then be asked to update your details and a URL will be shared.
Clicking on the link will take you to a fake login page designed to look convincingly like the real Netflix website. Enter your details here and you’ll transfer them to fraudsters, who can use them to access your Netflix account. With this information, certain scammers can try to sell your account on the dark web.
The scam also goes one step further. The next screen will display a warning message claiming that your account has been temporarily suspended due to a payment issue. You will then be asked to make a payment using a credit or debit card. Do this and the scammers will have your card details. The scam also gives you the option to pay with a Netflix gift card, which would give the value of that card to the fraudsters.
How to keep your Netflix account safe
Like most phishing scams, the Netflix text message scam relies on a number of factors to trick you into giving up your personal information. The text message and website look so real that people can draw their attention to it. Additionally, the account suspension warning is intended to create a sense of urgency.
For many users, losing access to a Netflix account due to a missed payment would be a serious problem. A sense of panic and the desire to solve the problem quickly can lead people to act without thinking twice and giving their sensitive personal information to fraudsters, even if alarm bells should be ringing.
Netflix accounts are particularly vulnerable to phishing attacks because Netflix does not offer two-factor authentication.
Netflix accounts are particularly vulnerable to phishing attacks because Netflix does not offer two-factor authentication. This means that anyone with your username and password can log into your account. Therefore, you should be vigilant against messages claiming to be from Netflix.
Netflix has one special article about phishing emails and text messages on its website. It says: “If you receive an email or text asking for your Netflix account email address, phone, password, or payment method, it’s probably not from Netflix.”
Users should be particularly careful when it comes to clicking on links. Netflix says: “If the text or email links to a URL you don’t recognize, don’t tap or click on it. If you have already done so, do not enter any information on the opened website.”
If you’re ever in doubt, the safest option is to go directly to Netflix.com and log in to check the status of your account. If you think your account has been hacked, you should change your password. You can also log out of unrecognized devices. Netflix has more information on how to secure your account here.
If you receive a text or email that you think is a scam, forward it phishing@netflix.comand then delete the message.