As a Netflix customer, it’s crucial to be aware of the various scams targeting users of the popular video streaming platform. Criminals often use Netflix’s name and logo to steal sensitive personal information, distribute malware, and trick people into signing up for fraudulent “Netflix alternatives.” Due to the service’s vast customer base, scammers see fake Netflix notifications as an easy way to victimize unsuspecting users. In this article, we will discuss the most common types of scams aimed at Netflix users and how to avoid them.
Phishing
Phishing is perhaps the most common type of scam that targets Netflix users. Typically, these scams involve fake notification messages claiming there is a problem with your Netflix subscription that requires your attention to continue using the service. They may claim that you must update your subscription information, verify your account details for security reasons, or correct a billing error. Often, they will claim that your subscription will be canceled or suspended if you don’t take action to rectify the supposed problem.
The notifications usually instruct you to fix the issue by clicking a link to update your account information. However, the links actually open a fraudulent account update form. The form requests personal information such as your name, contact details, credit card numbers, and other identifying information. Criminals can use the information you provide to commit credit card fraud and identity theft.
In some versions, you may be asked to open an attached file to update your details rather than click a link. The scam messages are usually delivered via email, but some versions may be distributed via text message.
Malware
In some cases, instead of asking you to fill in a form, the links or attachments try to trick you into downloading malware. Once installed, the malware could lock up your computer’s files and then demand that you pay a ransom to get the “unlock” key. Alternatively, the malware may steal sensitive information such as your banking or social media passwords and send them to criminals.
‘Better Than Netflix’ Scams
Another angle that scammers use is to try to entice Netflix users into signing up for a supposedly free and better streaming service. Typically, these sites promise free access to thousands of videos. However, they insist that you enter your credit card details to verify your account. Many people report that they are unexpectedly charged expensive monthly fees for “premium” subscriptions that they know nothing about. Despite their appearance, these bogus streaming sites do not provide legitimate or legal access to movies and TV shows like Netflix does.
These outfits use deceptive tactics such as fake Facebook giveaways to lure potential victims and should not be trusted with your credit card details or any other personal information.
Avoiding Such Scams
Be wary of any email or text message claiming there is a problem with your Netflix payment that needs your attention or those that claim you must verify your account or perform an upgrade. If you receive such a message, do not follow any links or open any attachments that it contains.
If in doubt, access your Netflix account by entering the address into your browser’s address bar or via an official Netflix app. If there is a legitimate account problem, you will receive an internal notification after logging in.
Moreover, don’t trust any supposed streaming service that claims to be free but demands that you provide credit card details to gain access.
Do a little research on any new streaming service that you encounter to ascertain its legitimacy before signing up.
Customers of Other Streaming Services Also Potential Targets
With more streaming services becoming available, online crooks will continue to use the same tactics to target customers of these other services. Regardless of which streaming services you subscribe to, use the guidelines outlined above to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
Stay Informed and Educated
One of the best ways to protect yourself from Netflix scams and other online threats is to stay informed and educated about the latest scamming tactics. Make sure to follow cybersecurity news and updates, and share this information with friends and family to help them stay protected as well.
Report Suspicious Emails and Messages
If you receive a suspicious email or message claiming to be from Netflix, do not hesitate to report it to the company. By doing so, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to the ongoing efforts to combat such scams.
Use Strong Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Always use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts, including Netflix. Additionally, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. This added layer of security can make it much more difficult for scammers to gain access to your account, even if they manage to obtain your password.
Be Cautious with Third-Party Apps and Services
Be cautious when using third-party apps and services that claim to enhance your Netflix experience or provide additional features. Some of these apps may be malicious or attempt to steal your login credentials. Always research and verify the legitimacy of such services before using them.
Check for Malware on Your Device
The Netflix phishing emails may contain malware within the attachments or links that appear in the body of the email. By interacting with the malware — for example, opening or downloading an attachment that contains a malicious payload — the user may unknowingly infect their device or network, enabling attackers to gain access to protected applications and data.
To check your computer or phone for Trojans, browser hijackers, or other malware and remove them for free, you run a scan with Malwarebytes Free.
Malwarebytes runs on Windows, Mac, and Android. Click the tab below for the device you want to scan, then follow the steps to remove any malware it finds.
Scan Your Computer with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your PC in just a few minutes.
Download Malwarebytes
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for Windows 11 and 10. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium
Malwarebytes Free for WindowsScans and removes malware at no cost-
Install Malwarebytes
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:
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Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
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Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
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When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
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On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
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Enable “Scan for Rootkits”
Before scanning, turn on rootkit detection so Malwarebytes can find even the most hidden threats. Click the Settings gear icon on the left side of the screen.
In the settings menu, find “Scan for rootkits” and click the toggle so it turns blue.
Done? Click “Dashboard” in the left pane to return to the main screen.
Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take 5 to 20 minutes depending on your computer. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.
Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.
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Restart Your Computer
Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, Malwarebytes has finished removing the threats it found.
That’s it — your Windows computer is now free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Run a computer scan with ESET Online Scanner
- Ask for help in our Windows Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Scan Your Mac with Malwarebytes for Mac
Malwarebytes for Mac is a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss — adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it’s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your Mac in just a few minutes.
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Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for macOS. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes PremiumMalwarebytes Free for MacScans and removes malware at no cost -
Open the Malwarebytes setup file
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
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Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The Malwarebytes for Mac Installer will guide you through a few quick screens. Click “Continue” and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.
When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click “Get started“.
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Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”
Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you’re installing it on. Click either Personal Computer or Work Computer, whichever applies.
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Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
Malwarebytes will scan your Mac for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This can take a few minutes, so feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the threats at once.
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Restart Your Mac
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot — if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you’re logged back in, your Mac is clean.
That’s it — your Mac is now free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Scan Your Phone with Malwarebytes for Android
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
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Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
Get Malwarebytes for AndroidOpens Google Play in a new tab.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium for AndroidMalwarebytes for AndroidScans your phone and removes malware at no cost -
Install Malwarebytes for Android on your phone.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
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Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options.
This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue.
Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step.
Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue.
Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
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Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
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Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
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Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
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Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
That’s it — your Android device is now free of malicious apps, adware, and browser redirects.
If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
- Ask for help in our Mobile Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
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