How to avoid the Netflix account suspension scam

If you receive an email claiming that your Netflix account is suspended, take caution, as it might be a scam. Cybercriminals use such tactics to steal Netflix accounts or credit card information. Clicking on any links or attachments in such emails could put your personal data at risk.

In this article, I explain the Netflix fake email scam, why you're getting these emails, how to stop them, and what you can do to protect yourself from future phishing attempts.

What is Netflix’s email scam?

The Netflix account suspended scam is a phishing attempt in which people receive an email claiming their Netflix account is suspended. These emails often urge immediate action, such as logging in to your account or updating payment information, and include a link that appears to be from Netflix. Scammers usually create a very legitimate-looking website that looks exactly like the actual Netflix website. However, a closer look at the domain name or other small details will reveal that the website is fake. Here are some Netflix scam email examples:

• “Your Netflix Account on hold due to a billing issue. Unfortunately, We had to disable your Netflix account.”
• “Dear customer, Your membership has expired. But, as part of our loyalty program, you can now extend for 90 days for free.”
• “We tried to renew your subscription at the end of each billing cycle, but your monthly payment has failed. We therefore had to cancel your subscription. Obviously, we would love to see you again. If you wish to renew your subscription click on the link below.”
• “We are having some trouble with your current billing information. Verify your account as soon as possible. Click the link below to update your billing information.”

If you enter any information, like your login credentials or payment details, cybercriminals can immediately use or sell it.

If you provide any payment information, your card details can be sold or used to drain your accounts. Some scam emails may also include malicious attachments that can infect your device with malware.

Name	Netflix account suspended scam
Type	Phishing, scam, fraud, social engineering
Devices	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Symptoms	Unauthorized logins and online purchases, stolen accounts, increased spam
Damage	Identity theft, financial loss

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Similar scams

These types of scams are very common. One example is the Norton antivirus PayPal email scam, which tricked users into renewing fake subscriptions. Phishing scams, in general, are one of the most common forms of cybercrime. Almost anyone with an email box can say they have received an email urging them to act quickly, whether to update a payment or claim an exclusive prize.

The sense of urgency often causes people to enter their personal information without checking the email or website domain, leading to their information being stolen.

Why am I getting fake emails from Netflix?

There are several reasons why you might be receiving fake emails claiming your Netflix account is suspended. One possibility is that your email has been added to a scammer’s mailing list, either randomly or as a result of a data breach. If your email was compromised, cybercriminals may have obtained it and are now sending phishing emails pretending to be Netflix or other services.

Additionally, if you've recently interacted with a spam email, scammers may target you more frequently, knowing you're an active user. Lastly, weak spam filters in your inbox could let these fake Netflix emails and other spam messages slip through more easily.

How to get rid of Netflix account scam

While the Netflix membership scam can’t cause any harm if you don’t interact with it, it’s best to remove it so you don’t accidentally click on it. Thankfully, getting rid of Netflix’s fake emails is relatively easy.

Step 1: Don’t engage with the email

Don’t click on any links or attachments, as they can be malicious. If you’ve already clicked on a link or entered any information, take immediate action. Change the password of your Netflix and email accounts. Use secure and strong passwords.

Step 2: Use an antivirus software

Since your email is likely on a mailing list, there's a good chance you'll receive more phishing emails. Use an antivirus like TotalAV to protect yourself from phishing scams and visiting malicious websites.

Step 3: Protect your finances

If you entered any payment details into the fake website or sent them via email, contact your bank immediately. Be sure to inform them and freeze your accounts to prevent unauthorized transactions.

Step 4: Report the email and block the sender

To help protect yourself from further phishing attempts, forward the email to [email protected] for review. Additionally, report the email as spam and block the sender. This will stop the spam emails you’re getting from that specific email address.

How can I protect myself from phishing scams?

Protecting yourself from similar types of scams is very important and quite easy. Here are some steps you can take:

• Use an antivirus. A reliable antivirus, like TotalAV, protects you from visiting dangerous websites or downloading malicious email attachments. As described in our TotalAV review, its real-time threat protection shields against various cyberthreats at all times.
• Update your software. Keeping your software updated is crucial for staying secure online. Updates include important security patches that protect you from malware.
• Check links. Always double-check the link you are visiting. Scam websites often use a domain that is slightly off.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi. Any public Wi-Fi can be set up by a cybercriminal and made to steal your information. If you absolutely need to connect to one, always use one of our recommended VPNs.
• Research the sender. Before opening any attachments, check who is sending the email. Scammers often use generic email addresses, like @gmail.com and @yahoo.com. Some use a professional email, but you can still spot it by looking for typos or inconsistencies. It’s always best to check online whether this email address is the official email of that company.
• Use strong passwords. It’s crucial to always use strong and unique passwords for all your accounts. This way, even if one gets exposed, malicious hackers won’t be able to access your other accounts.
• Don’t click on any links. It’s always a good practice to visit a website by entering the URL yourself rather than clicking a convenient link in the email, which can be malicious.
• Double-check. If you receive an email requiring immediate action, it’s always good to take a step back and think. Double-check whether the information is truly correct, for example, whether you actually can’t log in to your account or whether your Netflix subscription is suspended.

Conclusion

The Netflix account suspended email scam is dangerous and can lead to stolen logins, identity theft, or financial loss. If you click on links, download attachments, or provide personal information, scammers can steal your data.

It’s important to stay alert. Always check domain names and email addresses for any inconsistencies, and never share personal information online. Use an antivirus, such as TotalAV, which will protect you from downloading malicious attachments and visiting scam websites.

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