Netflix has become one of the most popular streaming services on the internet and I’m sure most of you have a Netflix account. That’s why you should be aware of a new wave of fake Netflix account suspension emails making the rounds. I received one today and the red flags went up immediately. First off, the email was sent to an address that has never been associated with Netflix in any way. Second, the email address came from Netflix Billing <netflix-billing at metflix-us>. That’s right, METflix.
The embedded URL’s in the email also point back to a METflix domain so it’s very safe to assume this is a phishing email. It’s easy to be fooled by these emails. The Netflix logo and urgency of the message can easily distract users in thinking it is legit. It’s important to remember when you get an email that has strong verbiage such as, suspension, validate, and 48-hours you need to be extra cautious. These are social engineering ploys that are meant to encourage you to click links.
Here’s what Netflix has to say about phishing attempts:
Phishing is an attempt to acquire your personal information by pretending to represent a website or company you trust online.
Phishers will go to great lengths to try to take over your account or steal your personal information. They may create fake websites that look like Netflix, or send emails that imitate us and ask you for personal information.
- Netflix will never ask for any personal information to be sent to us over email. This includes:
- Payment information (credit card number, debit card number, direct debit account, PIN, etc.).
- Social security number for US citizens (in any form), identification number, or tax identification number.
- Your account password.
Netflix may email you to update this information with a link to our website, but be cautious of fake emails that may link to phishing websites. If you’re unsure about a link in an email, you can always hover your cursor over the link to see where it directs in which you can see the real linked web address at the bottom of most browsers.
If you believe you have received a phishing message, visit our Help Center to learn how to report it to us.
So be cautious with any email such as this. Don’t overreact. We know it’s easy to get worried something could be wrong with your account but you could make things worse for yourself if you don’t investigate it before clicking.
Have you gotten any of these fake Netflix account suspension emails? Let us know in the comments below, or on Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.
