Netflix
Fraudsters are using this new scam
Trouble is inevitable: Scammers send alleged Netflix emails.
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Fraudsters want to take advantage of price increases and subscription changes at Netflix and lure customers of the streaming service into a trap.
A few weeks ago, Netflix increased its subscription prices in Germany. Since then, many customers have been considering whether they might want to switch to a cheaper plan or pause their membership. Fraudsters are apparently trying to take advantage of this. The consumer advice center is warning of a new scam that appears to have been circulating more frequently since mid-May.
Do not click on “Renew”!
On May 14, the consumer advice center received a significant number of phishing emails addressed to customers of the streaming service. The emails were sent with the subject lines “Please confirm your payment information / request verification” or “Your membership has expired!”
Recipients are informed in the fraudulent messages that their Netflix subscription has supposedly expired and that they should update their payment method “in order to continue enjoying Netflix content”. At the same time, the emails lure them with a special discount: the first three months after the update are supposedly free.
In order to benefit from this supposed discount and continue to have access to the service, recipients should click on a button that says “Renew”. However, the consumer advice center expressly warns against this: “We advise you not to click this button. You should move this email to the spam folder without answering it.”
What is striking about the phishing emails that have been sent is that the wording appears as if it has been translated word for word from another language. Under the heading “Payment” the emails say “Expect” instead of the usual German word “Outstanding”. In addition, the sender’s email address suggests an attempt at fraud.
Second stitch in circulation
The Tech portal “Chip.de” reportsthat an employee recently received a similar email with the subject “Action required – update your payment details to avoid interruptions”. The email stated that there had been a problem with a payment and that the customer should therefore update their payment details. In this case, a link is distributed under “Update now” via which the details can supposedly be updated. However, caution is also advised here, as fraudsters want to use this to obtain their victims’ data.
This email appears to be genuine, but the sender address also shows that it is not an official email from Netflix. The portal recommends moving this or similar messages to the spam folder without answering them.
Netflix also warns
In its help center, the streaming service generally points out that emails or text messages that ask for, among other things, a phone number, email address, payment method or password for the account “probably do not come from Netflix.” Users will never be asked to send personal data by email or text message. The service warns against clicking on links contained in such messages and providing personal data.
Price increases at Netflix
Netflix adjusted the prices of its subscription model a few weeks ago. There are currently three options for new customers to choose from. An ad-financed standard subscription will initially remain at 4.99 euros per month, the standard subscription without advertising has since been 13.99 euros per month, and the premium model costs 19.99 euros per month. Anyone who wants to book so-called additional membership places in the standard and premium subscription so that friends or family members at another location can also watch will pay an additional 4.99 euros per place per month.
The former basic subscription can no longer be booked by new or returning customers. The streaming service announced in a quarterly report in January that it would discontinue this option in some countries where the advertising option is bookable.