Another Netflix scam is making the rounds, attempting to convince you that Netflix wants to give you a free subscription due to the pandemic.
Cord Cutters News readers report getting text messages recently, saying that due to the pandemic, Netflix is giving some free passes for the remainder of the quarantine, but that the limited time deal will end soon. The message ends with a link to a fraudulent website. If you receive a message like this on Facebook, Twitter, or in a text message, know that it is not a legitimate offer and do not click the link.
These texts have been popping up since the beginning of stay at home orders and are just the next in a long line of scams targeting cord cutters. We’ve seen scams asking for login verification, one falsely offering free passes on social media, and another just flat out asking for your credit card number – just to name a few.
If you receive an email or text that looks suspicious, Netflix asks that you forward the email or send a screenshot of the text to phishing@netflix.com.
Here are some tips for identifying fake websites and scam emails.
- Check the domain name. Look for the official domain of the streaming service – for example, https://www.disneyplus.com or https://www.netflix.com.
- Look for spelling mistakes. Many fake websites will use a translator tool to generate content. When you see a block of text on the site, a quick scan will often show many spelling and grammar mistakes.
- Double-check sender email addresses. When you receive an email from a streaming service, you’ll find an official email address from the company. Scam emails will come from an entirely different domain, often with a jumble of letters and numbers in the address.
- Don’t click questionable links. If you get an email alerting you that there has been a problem with your account, go to the official service website and log in to check your account. Don’t click links from a suspicious email.