-New Urban TECH- #NetDiscernment: How to NOT FALL Prey to the Latest Email Scam Targeting Netflix Customers

Consumer awareness is rising against the latest phishing scams targeting Netflix users.

Since the holiday season is well upon us,  we all know there is no shortage of companies advertising special offers and online sales to gain new customers for the coming 2019.  From clothing retailers to home decor, marketing blitzes are at a fever pitch to encourage you to sign up, spend a Euro, and hopefully stay on marketing lists for a while-  and campaigns aren't just limited to hard goods, but to services in in in both the real-time and digital world, vying to have you purchase their wares.  Netflix is one of such digital companies trying to increase customer numbers, and you may have seen that the digital streaming service is currently offering 30-day free trial memberships for electronic devices, in hopes of attracting new viewers and potential long-term clients. However, in today's digital world where cybercrime is becoming more rampant - before testing it out, be aware of new scam attempts targeting Netflix subscribers as per this fall's recent warning from Action Fraud, a joint initiative between the City of London Police and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau in the UK:

PHISHING: It Begins With a Fake Netflix Email

 phishing 

(noun)

the fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords, bank information,  and/or credit card numbers.

Unfortunately 2018 has noted a marked increase in fake Netflix emails claiming that there’s an issue with your account, or that your account has been suspended. The email states that you need to “update” your account details in order to resolve the problem. The link in the emails leads to genuine-looking Netflix phishing websites designed to steal your username, password, and payment details. In the hands of a hacker, this sensitive information  can be used to commit identity theft and fraud. 

Always Be Wary 

Phishing websites can be virtually indistinguishable from the real thing, so the most foolproof way of not getting caught in their "net" is to simply ignore them. Mark these unsolicited emails as spam, or send straight to the trash.  Simply get rid of them if you receive an unexpected mail that you didn't initiate.  You're being baited like a fish to a hook.

Unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information can not only lead to hacking your Netflix account but could also act as a vessel to infect your computer with viruses and all manner of malware or spyware- so never automatically click on a link in an unexpected mail or text. To confirm if there is truly an issue with your Netflix account, rather than going through an email link, go to your browser instead and navigate directly to Netflix and check the status of your account from there.