Email users are being targeted by a worrying new Netflix scam that could leave them seriously out of pocket.
Next time you check your Gmail, Yahoo or Outlook inbox, be on high alert for a worrying new scam. Cyber crooks appear to be back, and this time, they are using the popular Netflix service to try and trick people into handing over sensitive data, including login credentials, home addresses and credit card data.
The tech team at Mirror Online spotted the attack over the weekend, and it’s one of the most convincing we’ve seen in a while.
The new threat starts with a message that includes the subject, “Let’s tackle your payment details”.
Once opened, all seems pretty normal. The email suggests that there has been a problem with a payment, and the service is blocked until new details are added.
“Your account is on hold,” the message reads along with a warning sign aimed at making it appear urgent
“Please update your payment details. 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.”
This is then followed by a red banner which says “UPDATE ACCOUNT NOW”.
At a quick glance, the message appears completely normal with it including Netflix branding, correct colours and font along with links to the official help page.
However, before you think about clicking on the links, DON’T! Mirror Online has tapped on this email to see what happens next, and the result is pretty terrifying. The link directs you straight to an official Netflix sign-in page which, once again, looks totally authentic.
Here, you are asked to log in using your username and password and then your home address and card details. The website claims this is needed to get the Netflix streaming service working again, but that’s not actually the case.
If fooled, users will have handed hackers everything they need to steal money from accounts.
Most swindles are really easy to spot but the cyber crooks behind this new attack have managed to create a very convincing scam that look just like it’s come from Netflix.
The only real warning signs are the email address the message has come from and the website URL which do not match official Netflix services.
“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 also offers some top tips on what to watch out for.
How to tell if an email or text is actually from Netflix
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.”