Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
The video streaming company Netflix has been targeted in a fraudulent email that asks customers to update their account billing information. Police nationwide are warning residents of the phishing scam, which claims Netflix is “having some trouble” with the customer’s current billing information and that the customer’s account is “on hold.”
It includes an “update your account now” button that takes users to the fraudulent site.
“Yikes! That definitely didn’t come from us,” the company said in a tweet after a user sent a screenshot of an email received as part of the scam. “Any communications you get via email from Netflix will come from info@mailer.netflix.com.”
Anyone who receives a similar email is asked to report it as a phishing scam.
Anyone who suspects fraud in an email message or text message that appears to be from Netflix should follow these tips:
- Never enter your login or financial details after following a link in an email or text message.
- If you’re unsure if you’re visiting the legitimate Netflix website, type www.netflix.com directly into your web browser.
- Never click on any links or open any attachments in an email or text message you’ve unexpectedly received, regardless of the source.
- It you suspect an email or text message is not from Netflix, don’t reply to it. Rather, report it as a phishing scam to Netflix.
If you already clicked a suspicious link or provided any personal information, you should:
- Change your Netflix password to a new, unique one.
- Update your password on any websites you used the same email and password for.
- Contact your financial institution if any payment information was entered, as it may have been compromised.
- Forward the message to phishing@netflix.com with the steps above.
Phishing scams are types of scams where fraudsters seek to obtain personal information from unsuspecting victims. They may seek to obtain the person’s credit card info, passwords, Social Security information, and other data. Once information is collected, the scammer may be able to use the person’s accounts, collect money, or conduct an overall identity theft.
A person or group of people caught perpetrating phishing scams may face legal consequences. In some cases, misdemeanor charges will result, which carry penalties of criminal fines and some jail time. Phishing scams that involve the manipulation of federal websites can result in federal felony charges.
If you suspect your have been a victim of a phishing scam, our Florida Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help determine if there has been a violation and whether you have any legal recourse available. We can help represent your best interests both in and out of the courtroom. Call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a free consultation.