While binging on their favorite Netflix TV series and shows, subscribers better watch out for scam emails that have been reaching inboxes around the world since last week. These emails aim to steal personal and credit information of Netflix subscribers by directing them to a phishing website.
The emails were specifically sent to clients' personal accounts, the ones which they have registered with Netflix. The email has a subject line 'Your Suspension Notification,' although it may also come with similar wording. The scam email convinces the reader to update their personal and credit information on Netflix, or else their subscription would be suspended.
Last week, Mailguard reported that the emails were constructed well, containing a generic body, and a specific heading addressing the subscriber by name. Each email also has a link directing the subscriber to a fake Netflix page, where he is asked to update his personal and credit details.
Keeping Your Netflix Account Safe
It is not the first time Netflix subscribers received scam emails directing them to phishing websites. As hackers gain access to more tools, they are also becoming more capable of forging websites that look almost exactly like the real thing. Unless Internet users become vigilant, they might fall into these online traps, losing their precious personal and credit information in the process.
Here are some ways for Netflix subscribers to keep their accounts safe and secure:
- Be wary of links in emails. If the link shows an unfamiliar or suspicious link, it would be best to stay away from it.
- Create a password that is unique to a particular website. While having a 'one-password-to-rule-them-all' mantra is easy and convenient, it is also a recipe for disaster once it gets all figured out.
- Keep the computer safe from any form of malware. Malware can do a lot of damage to a computer system over time. When the system feels sluggish, or pop-up windows keep appearing when browsing the internet, it could be a sign of malware.
- Check recent activity. One way to know if someone else is using a subscriber's Netflix account is to check the recent activity tab. If the subscriber cannot recognize any of the previous activities, there is a possibility that his account has been compromised and he needs to report it right away.
- Rather than clicking links, type the website URL instead. To get clear information from Netflix, visit the actual website by typing its URL on the browser to ensure the website is official.
