ORLANDO, Fla. – In an era dominated by streaming services, Netflix users have become prime targets for increasingly sophisticated scammers.
Phishing schemes, deceptive texts, and fake websites are just a few tactics employed by fraudsters.
Netflix accounts are ubiquitous.
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However, in the age of artificial intelligence, distinguishing between what is real and what is fake is becoming increasingly challenging.
“We’re seeing a huge rise in Netflix-related scams,” said Karin Zilberstein, Vice President of Product at Guardio, a cybersecurity company focused on securing consumers’ digital lives.
Zilberstein noted that in the third and fourth quarters of last year, Netflix ranked among their top ten most imitated companies.
“Netflix is an all-year scam because there are so many people using Netflix that the hackers don’t need to do anything special,” Zilberstein explained.
Consumers should be vigilant for smishing text messages claiming their accounts are temporarily locked due to irregular activities.
These messages often contain links that lead to websites designed to look legitimate, aiming to capture users’ login information and ultimately the payment information attached to their account.
“If they log in, now their username and password belong to the hacker. They can now access the account, which contains financial information,” Zilberstein warned.
Additionally, users should be cautious of phishing emails that appear to be from Netflix, offering incentives like getting paid to watch content or requesting account information updates.
If you suspect a problem with your account, it’s best to visit Netflix directly.
Avoid searching for Netflix using search engines like Google, as scammers can manipulate search results to display fake websites.
Instead, type in Netflix.com directly on your device to log in securely.
Remember, don’t fall for the scheme, and don’t get ripped off. But if you do, you can reach out to Louis Bolden at lbolden@wkmg.com