France is also affected by this large-scale scam.
Online scams are on the rise and, this time, Netflix is being used as bait. In the middle of the holiday season, this new phishing attempt is gaining ground. His goal? Exploit user trust in this platform that has become essential. The ploy is simple, but extremely effective: an SMS or email informs you that your account has been suspended. In question? A so-called payment problem. Where the scam becomes difficult to detect is that the timing is particularly well chosen. With the recent increase in premium subscription prices (going from 17.99 to 19.99 euros), it is easy to believe in a direct debit error. What’s more, during this busy spending season, many users might think that their credit card has reached a certain limit or that their account no longer has enough funds to cover the amount.
Concretely, the message includes a link which seems to refer to the official platform. But, if you click on it, you’re redirected to a site that perfectly mimics the look and feel of Netflix. A form then asks you for your identifiers and sometimes even your bank details to “reactivate” your account. At this point, your personal data falls directly into the hands of scammers. And in just a few clicks, they can access your bank account, make fraudulent purchases or even sell your information on the dark web.
So, if you receive a suspicious message, the first rule is to never click on a link. Netflix will never ask you to update your information via text message or email. Always log in directly to the official app or website to check your account status. Another reflex to adopt: check the sender’s address. Often it contains errors or is not linked to an official domain. If in doubt, contact Netflix customer service directly via their site.
Finally, use tools to secure your accounts: enable two-factor authentication, monitor your bank statements regularly, and use complex, unique passwords for each service. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises.