Scammers want your personal information, and they’ll do just about anything to get it. One popular method is known as phishing, which is when the bad guys send you fake information to try and get you to give them your real information. There are many ways they can do this, and one of them is sending you email messages that appear to be from companies you do business with, such as Netflix.
Here’s how the scam works: You receive an email message that looks like it’s from Netflix and even has the Netflix logo. The message contains a link for you to update your payment details. When you click the link, you end up on a page that has nothing to do with Netflix and everything to do with the scammer collecting your credit card number.
If you get such an email and you’re not sure whether it’s really from Netflix, keep in mind the following protection strategies:
- Examine the email closely. Multiple spelling and grammar errors can be a clue that the email isn’t legitimate, as can a salutation that doesn’t include your name (such as “Dear Sir”).
- Don’t click the link. Instead, contact Netflix directly to find out if they really need you to update your payment information.
- Keep in mind Netflix’s own policy of never requesting personal information via email.
- Report phishing to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint. You can also report it to Netflix by emailing phishing@netflix.com.
