Latest SMS scam claims that your Netflix account has been suspended
Links to a fake Netflix login screen that will steal your information
Netflix will never request your personal information in a text message
If you’ve recently received an SMS about your Netflix account being suspended, chances are it’s a scam. Fraudsters are targeting phone numbers in 23 countries with a new text message campaign, trying to swindle Netflix users out of their account credentials and payment information.
With more than 280 million paid subscribers worldwide, it’s no surprise that scammers would use Netflix as the hook in a phishing scheme. Even if the fraudulent message is sent out with a scattergun approach, there’s a good chance that many of the recipients will have a Netflix account – and potentially be tricked into parting with their personal information.
According to screenshots we’ve seen, there are a few variations of the fake SMS, including versions in several different languages. Each text message (see below) has the same basic structure: it claims to be from Netflix and states that there’s been an issue processing the subscription payment for your account. It then asks you to update your details and shares a URL.
If you click on the link, it will take you to a fake sign-in page which is designed to look convincingly like the real Netflix website. Enter your details here and you’ll be handing them over to fraudsters, who can use them to access your Netflix account. With these details, certain scammers may try to sell your account on the dark web.
The scam also goes a step further. The next screen shows a warning message claiming that your account is temporarily suspended due to a payment issue. It then asks you to make a payment using a credit or debit card. Do this and the scammers will have your card details. The scam also gives you the option to pay using a Netflix gift card, which would give the value of that card to the fraudsters.