NETFLIX scams have been on a roll due to the massive popularity of the OTT platform in India. Scammers explore ways to dupe vulnerable groups into scams aiming to take away personal information such as bank details. One such fraud email is reaching the inboxes of users that you should be aware of.
As per Check Point Research, researchers pointed out that fraudsters are targeting OTT platform subscribers with the aim to retrieve payment details via hoax emails. The fake email domain looks like a copy of the original Netflix because of the similar URL, UI design and domain name. According to the report, apart from Netflix, scammers target popular names like Walmart, Microsoft, DHL, Google, LinkedIn and more.
How does it work?
The cyber security solution provider reported that in Q1 of 2023, an email spoofing its origin from Netflix having the address "support@bryanadamstribute[.]dk" was used to dupe individuals. It comes with a subject line that reads - "Uрdаtе rеquіrеd – ассоunt оn hоld". Text in the body tries to convince users that the account has been suspended.
The payment for the next billing cycle has failed to receive authorisation is the stated reason for account suspension. In the phishing email, a genuine-looking link to renew the subscription and make a payment is attached.
Omer Dembinsky, Manager of Data Research at Check Point Software Technologies, said, "Criminal groups orchestrate phishing campaigns to get as many people to part with their personal data as possible," as per EC News. "In some cases, attacks are designed to obtain account information, as seen with the Raiffeisen campaigns. Others are deployed to steal payment details, which we witnessed with popular streaming service Netflix," Omar states.
How to stay safe?
In case you receive such an email, cross-check the source and look for easy cues like typos, incorrect domain names, unpolished UI design and more to find out if it is from Netflix or not. To avoid being a victim of these high-profile duping routes, you must also recheck the Netflix app or web version for changes to your account. Plus, verifying it from an official source is necessary before making any payments.