Netflix Users Alert: Hackers Target Subscription Renewal Process To Steal Money

Cyber frauds are becoming a major menace throughout the world. Cybercriminals are devising new methods to fool and defraud internet users. In one such fraud, Netflix viewers worldwide are being cautioned of a phishing effort in which criminals target the membership renewal process to obtain personal and financial data. Security experts have raised the alarm about this online fraud, pointing out that it has impacted consumers in 23 countries, including the United States, Germany, Spain, and Australia.

According to Bitdefender, the cybersecurity firm that reported the scam, the latest Netflix scam includes hackers sending bogus SMS texts claiming problems with Netflix account payments. These messages attempt to instill a feeling of urgency in consumers, deceiving them into clicking malicious links to remedy the supposed problem. A cyber security organization has also provided instances of similar messages, including:

"NETFLIX: There was an issue with your payment. To keep your services active, please log in and confirm your information at https://account-details[.]com.

"Your last payment was declined. Update your payment information at: https://homepage-nflix[.]com."

According to the report, these phishing emails are frequently modified to different areas, using local languages and Netflix branding to seem real. In some cases, they contain grammatical flaws, but many are polished enough to mislead naïve consumers.

When consumers click the offered link, they are sent to a phishing website that looks like the official Netflix login page. Cybercriminals capture sensitive data here, such as usernames, passwords, personal information, and credit card numbers. The stolen credentials are commonly sold on the dark web, exposing victims to financial fraud and identity theft.

Notably, Netflix's ubiquity has made it one of the easiest targets for hackers. Netflix, like WhatsApp, is presently one of the most popular OTT platforms, making it an appealing target for hackers. Unlike platforms that utilize two-factor authentication (2FA), Netflix accounts are more vulnerable to credential stuffing—a practice in which hackers use stolen credentials from one branch to access accounts on other platforms.

How To Avoid This Situation

While no particular examples have been recorded in India, Netflix customers should exercise caution and avoid falling for false advertisements.

-- Don't click on links in unwanted messages. If you receive an SMS or email indicating there is a problem with your Netflix account, manually enter Netflix's official website URL into your browser to confirm your account

-- Be wary of texts containing ultimatums or urgent requests. Legitimate businesses seldom send communications in such tones

-- Look for red flags, such as unknown sender IDs or inappropriate language. Even well-written messages should be treated with care

- If you click on such emails and submit your information, immediately change your Netflix password as well as the passwords of any other accounts that used the same credentials.