Netflix users are being targeted once again by a scary new scam – don’t be fooled.
Anyone with a UK Netflix account must be on red alert with scammers, once again, trying to trick people into handing over data, including login and bank details. Earlier this month, Mirror Online reported on one fake email doing the rounds and now there is an even more convincing attack taking place.
This latest trick, which has been spotted by the Mirror’s technology team, attempts to trick you by saying your Netflix account is “on hold” due to a payment issue.
“Please retry or update payment,” the email reads.
“We still can’t process your payment. Make sure your payment method has enough balance and isn’t expired, then retry your payment so you can get back to enjoying Netflix.”
This is followed by a big red box that urges you to “Update Payment Method” and it’s here that things get really worrying. To help you stay safe, Mirror Online has clicked the link to see what happened next and we were instantly taken to a Netflix homepage that looks just like the real deal.
Here, we were asked to input our account details. Using a fake name and email address, we hit the log-in button and were then taken to a payment screen where credit card details could be added. The message said we needed to fill in this form to get our Netflix account unlocked and working again.
Had we been fooled, the online crooks would now have our Netflix account details and full banking data, which they could then use to steal money.
What makes this attack most concerning is how authentic all of the messages look, with everything from the Netflix logo, sign-in page, and email appearing incredibly authentic.
If you get a message saying your account is on hold, do not start clicking on any links or be tempted to fill in online forms as it’s probably a scam.
“If you get an email or text message (SMS) asking for your Netflix account email, phone, password, or payment method it probably didn’t come from Netflix,” the streaming service said.
Netflix says it will never ask you to share your personal information in a text or email. This includes: Credit or debit card numbers, bank account details or Netflix passwords.
“If the text or email links to a URL that you don’t recognize, don’t tap or click it. If you did already, do not enter any information on the website that opened,” Netflix added.
If you think you have been tricked by this scam, it’s now vital that you change your Netflix password and get in touch with your bank.
“Change your Netflix password to a new one that is strong and unique to Netflix,” Netflix added.
“To help keep your accounts secure, it’s best not to use the same email and password combinations for any websites or apps.
“Contact your financial institution if you entered any payment information, as it may have been compromised.”
