Netflix subscribers be warned, a global phishing campaign is reportedly targeting you. A report by security researchers from Bitdefender warns Netflix subscribers about a “very large” cyber scam in which criminals hijack important financial information by sending people bogus messages. The aim is to trick Netflix subscribers into revealing their account credentials and credit card information.
Cyber criminals reportedly have two ways to persuade people to open the link: The carrot and the stick. The first method is to promise people a prize or something to gain. The second is to create a sense of urgency that requires immediate action. Like threat that they may lose access to their Netflix account.
The scam campaign is reported to have started in September and is still active in many regions. Presently, it is said to span 23 countries. Some of the affected countries include Germany, Spain, United States, France, Greece, Portugal, Australia, and many others.
Here are some examples of such scam messages targeting Netflix users:
“NETFLIX: There was an issue processing your payment. To keek your services active, please sign in and confirm your details at : https://account-details[.]com”
“NETFLIX: There was a failure in your recent payment, affecting your ongoing services. Check the details at 78hex4w[.]vitilme[.]info”
What the scammers want
The messages typically contain a malicious link that redirects users to a fake Netflix login page. Once on the fraudulent site, users are prompted to enter their Netflix username, password, and credit card details. And what they are looking for is: Customers’ login credentials, personal information, and credit card details. The phishing websites are built specifically for this purpose.
How to identify ‘Netflix scam’
Unofficial Communication Channels: Netflix does not send account-related notifications via SMS.
Suspicious Links: Be wary of links in unexpected messages, especially those that appear generic or poorly written.
Urgent Tone: Scammers often create a sense of panic to pressure victims into making hasty decisions.
How to protect yourselves from such ‘Netflix scam’
* Ignore Suspicious Messages: Delete any SMS messages that seem suspicious or out of the ordinary.
* Verify Information Directly: If you’re concerned about your Netflix account, log in directly through the official Netflix website or app.
* Use Strong, Unique Passwords: A strong, unique password can help protect your account from unauthorized access.
* Enable Two-Factor Authentication: If available, enabling two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account.
* Install a Reliable Security Solution: A reputable security solution can help detect and block phishing attacks.