The Netflix “Your Membership Has Lapsed” Email Scam Explained
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
You may have recently received an email claiming to be from Netflix, stating that your membership has expired and encouraging you to renew it to get 12 months of Netflix for free. While the email looks legitimate on the surface, it is actually a scam designed to steal your personal information and money.
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down exactly how the “Your Membership Has Lapsed” Netflix email scam works, provide tips on how to recognize it, explain what to do if you fell for it, and discuss how to better protect yourself from scams in the future. With online and email scams on the rise, awareness and education are key to staying safe.
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Overview of the Netflix Membership Lapse Scam
The “Your Membership Has Lapsed” email purports to be from Netflix, informing you that there was a problem renewing your Netflix subscription and it has therefore expired. The email provides a link where you can allegedly renew your membership and get 12 months of Netflix for free.
However, this is just a scam designed to trick you into providing personal and financial information. The email does not actually come from Netflix itself. Scammers are simply spoofing the Netflix logo and branding to make it appear more legitimate.
Some versions of the scam email have bad grammar, spelling mistakes, and other tip-offs that it is not really from Netflix. However, more sophisticated variants appear very convincing at first glance. You should therefore always check the actual email address it is sent from (not just the displayed sender name), as this will reveal the scam. Legitimate Netflix emails will always come from an @netflix.com email address.
If you click on the renewal link in the scam email, you will be taken to a website that asks you to fill out a “survey” before providing you with the alleged free Netflix access. However, this survey is also fake. The information harvested is then either used directly for identity theft purposes, or sold on to other scammers.
After completing the survey, you will be redirected to another website under the guise of claiming your “free” 12-month Netflix gift card. However, this then signs you up for an unrelated subscription service that bills you monthly – typically around $100 per month! The terms and conditions that mention the billing are buried and not shown clearly upfront.
This type of scam is known as a “subscription cramming” or “negative option” scam. You provide your payment information expecting to get something for free or a one-time payment, only to find yourself signed up for expensive recurring monthly charges for digital services you don’t want or need.
How the Scammers Profit
So how do the scammers behind these fake Netflix emails profit? Here are some of the ways they exploit victims:
Phishing for login credentials – The renewal links often take you to a fake Netflix login page to steal your username and password. This gives the scammers full access to your real Netflix account.
Phishing for credit card details – You may be asked to provide your credit card information to “renew” your Netflix subscription. However, your details are stolen and used for fraudulent purchases.
Harvesting personal information – The survey gathers names, email addresses, phone numbers and other info that can be used or sold for identity theft purposes.
Charging monthly subscription fees – The final website signs you up to expensive, recurring monthly subscriptions that are very difficult to cancel.
Installing malware – The scam sites may try to get you to download fake “software” that is actually malware designed to compromise your computer and steal financial information.
As you can see, the scammers employ various tricks and traps to profit off of unsuspecting victims. The key is being able to recognize the red flags so you can avoid the scams entirely.
How to Recognize the Netflix Membership Lapse Scam
While the scam emails become increasingly sophisticated, there are some telltale signs you can watch out for:
1. Sender’s Email Address
As mentioned, legitimate Netflix emails will always come from an @netflix.com email address. So if the message comes from any other domain, it is 100% fake. Some examples of fake domains used include:
@zi-mail.com
@totelmail.com
@xmailpost.com
Basically, any weird domain rather than @netflix.com
With many email providers like Gmail, it’s very easy to spoof the sender name. But the actual underlying email address sending the message reveals the true source.
2. Logo and Branding
Scammers often copy the Netflix logo and try to replicate the Netflix branding. But upon close inspection, there may be small discrepancies or pixelation that indicates a copied logo rather than the real deal.
You can compare the logos side-by-side with legitimate Netflix emails or the official website. If anything looks “off”, it’s a scam.
3. Poor Spelling and Grammar
Many phishing emails contain spelling and grammar mistakes since English is not the scammer’s first language. While that’s not always a guarantee it’s fake, official Netflix emails will not have obvious typos.
Watch for things like your “subscription is expired” instead of “your subscription has expired”, missing words, improper grammar, and other suspicious mistakes.
4. Requests for Login Credentials
Netflix will never send an email asking you to enter your Netflix login credentials like passwords or usernames. Any email requesting this type of sensitive information is a scam.
At best, Netflix may send you to the official Netflix login page on the real website – not a replicated login form on another website. But they would never ask for your info directly in an email message.
5. Too Good To Be True Offers
If the email is promising you 12 months of Netflix for free or heavily discounted, it’s most certainly a scam. Netflix does not send unsolicited emails with deals “only for you” or amazing free offers out of the blue.
When something seems too good to be true, it almost always is. Extra skepticism should be applied to any improbable offers or discounts on subscription services.
6. Requests Credit Card Information
Like login credentials, Netflix will never send emails asking you to submit credit card details directly in the message or by clicking a link.
Any email requesting sensitive information like credit card numbers is a huge red flag for a phishing scam. Never provide this type of info unless you manually navigated to the legitimate Netflix website and are certain the page is secure.
7. Suspicious Links and Attachments
Do not click links or download attachments from unsolicited emails claiming to be from Netflix. The links will likely take you to fake websites engineered to steal your information or sign you up for unwanted services. Attachments can contain malware.
Hover over any links to preview the actual URLs. They often hide behind redirection services to mask sketchy destination sites. But the underlying web addresses should be a tip-off. Links to “netflix-membership.verify.com” or other unofficial domains are dead giveaways.
8. Typosquatting Domains
This refers to scam sites created using common typos of legitimate domains. For example, “netflx.com” (with an X) or “nettlix.com” (extra T). Be vigilant if the URLs look almost right, but not quite.
9. Poorly Replicated Pages
Once redirected to scam websites after clicking email links, examine the pages closely. Often the Netflix homepage they recreate will look antiquated or have subtle little differences compared to the real site. Or it won’t have certain features enabled properly.
Poor reproductions of official branding and pages is a clue something is amiss.
10. No SSL Certificate
Secure Netflix pages use HTTPS protocol and should have a little padlock icon in the browser address bar. No padlock or warnings the site is “Not Secure” indicates it’s not legitimate and you should avoid inputting any information.
How the Netflix Membership Lapse Scam Works
Now that we’ve covered how to identify the scam, let’s break down step-by-step how the process works from the scammer’s side:
1. You Receive the Scam Email
You get an unsolicited email in your inbox using the Netflix branding and logo in the message and sender name area.
It informs you that your Netflix subscription has expired due to a payment issue, and encourages you to click a link to renew your membership and redeem 12 months of Netflix for free.
The sender email address does not match @netflix.com, but it may be disguised by an email client.
2. You Click The Link
You click the link, believing the offer is legitimate or wanting to resolve the supposed payment issue.
The link sends you to an intermediary website rerouting traffic to mask the true destination. This site may try to get you to enable scripts or download fake browser updates.
Eventually you are redirected to the actual scam site.
3. You Take the “Survey”
The scam site presents a survey you must complete to get your free Netflix subscription.
You are asked to provide personal information like name, email, phone number, home address, etc under the guise it is needed for the survey.
In reality, this info is harvested and either used directly for identity theft or sold to other scammers operating similar cons.
4. You Are Offered a “Gift”
After completing the survey, you are redirected to a fake reward page. This claims you can select a free gift card, product, or subscription service for completing the survey.
Options may include a $100 Netflix gift card, an iPhone, a Best Buy gift card, or other prizes. Images are mocked up to appear as if they were valid codes/cards.
In reality, you end up being subscribed to some unrelated, expensive monthly service when you try to claim your “prize”.
5. You are Signed Up For Recurring Charges
Regardless of the prize selected, the final step in claiming it requires you to enter credit card information.
Buried in dense terms and conditions text is information that this signs you up for recurring monthly subscription fees to an unrelated third-party service.
The fees are usually around $100 per month and very difficult to cancel. The so-called “prizes” do not actually materialize.
6. The Scammers Profit
Your credit card is automatically charged exorbitant monthly fees you never agreed to or expected. The scammers profit endlessly while you either fail to notice the charges or struggle cancel them.
Meanwhile, all the personal info provided is used to steal identities, breach other accounts, or sell to other scammers – perpetuating the cycle of fraud.
What To Do If You Fell For The Netflix Membership Lapse Scam
If you unfortunately did fall for the phishing scam and provided sensitive information or signed up for fake offers, here are the steps to take right away:
1. Contact Your Bank/Credit Card Company
If you entered any financial information like credit card details, immediately contact your bank or credit card provider.
Report the charges as fraudulent so they can reverse the payments, block any future recurrences, and issue you a new card number.
Monitor your statements closely for any other signs of fraudulent use of your accounts.
2. Change Netflix and Other Account Passwords
If you entered your real Netflix login information, change your Netflix password right away. Enable two-factor authentication if available.
Additionally, change passwords on any other online accounts that used the same or similar credentials as your Netflix login. Scammers will try passwords across different sites.
3. Scan Your Devices For Malware
If you downloaded any fake browser updates or other software from the scam sites, scan your computer for malware. Delete anything suspicious.
Malware may log keystrokes to steal passwords, siphon financial information, or covertly access your online accounts. Run a thorough antivirus scan to check.
4. Place Fraud Alert / Credit Freezes
Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report and freezing your credit with the major credit bureaus. This prevents scammers from opening new accounts in your name.
Monitor your credit reports closely the next few months for any signs of misuse of your identity and promptly report them.
5. Reset Account Recovery Options
Scammers may leverage password reset options on accounts to take them over.
Remove any phone numbers or recovery email addresses you did not set yourself across online accounts, so they cannot be used against you.
6. Avoid Further Scams
Be extra vigilant about scam calls, emails, and texts which often surge after your info is compromised. Avoid clicking links, providing info, or making payments without verifying legitimacy first.
Check any notifications about your online accounts, as scammers may have access and try resetting passwords through account recovery options. Set up login alerts.
How to Avoid Falling For Netflix and Other Subscription Scams
Here are some tips to avoid being a victim of “Your Membership Has Lapsed” and other subscription-related scams in the future:
Carefully inspect sender addresses before clicking any links or attachments. Verify it’s from the official domain (e.g. @netflix.com).
Check for minor differences in logos, branding and web URLs that indicate a scam site.
Do not provide sensitive personal or financial information via an unsolicited email or fake website form.
Beware offers that sound too good to be true, like free or heavily discounted subscriptions.
Review account statements frequently for any unauthorized charges.
Never download software or enable browser extensions from unverified links.
Use a robust antivirus program to detect and disable malware.
Be cautious with phone calls requesting login or credit card info to “reactivate” accounts. Hang up and call the company directly if concerned.
Set up login alerts and enhanced security options on all important online accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. 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.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. 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 to remove malware
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.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Netflix Membership Lapse Scam
1. I got an email saying my Netflix membership expired. Is it real?
No, this is a common Netflix phishing scam. Legitimate Netflix emails will only come from an @netflix.com address. Check the sender’s email address to confirm if it’s actually from Netflix or an imposter.
2. How does the Netflix membership scam work?
The scam email claims your membership lapsed and offers a link to renew it for free. The link goes to a fake Netflix site asking for your login or credit card info. If entered, your data is stolen. You may also get signed up for unwanted subscriptions.
3. What are some red flags of the Netflix phishing scam?
Non-@netflix.com sender address, logo inconsistencies, poor grammar/spelling, requests for sensitive info, links to sketchy URLs like “netflix-account.verify.com”, too good to be true offers, no SSL certificate on site.
4. I entered my information. What should I do now?
Immediately contact your bank and Netflix. Change your Netflix password and enable two-factor authentication. Scan devices for malware and monitor your accounts closely for fraudulent activity.
5. Can they hack my real Netflix account with the login info I provided?
Yes, scammers will use phished credentials to try and access your actual accounts. Change your password as soon as possible and enable login approvals. Remove any unfamiliar linked devices.
6. How can I tell if someone has accessed my Netflix account?
Signs of unauthorized access include profile changes, new profiles added, unfamiliar streaming activity, new users added, password change emails you didn’t initiate. Check account settings for anything suspicious.
7. I clicked a link in the email. Could I get a virus?
Yes, fake Netflix sites may try to get you to download malware disguised as “browser updates” and other software. Run a full antivirus scan to check for anything malicious. Avoid downloading anything from scam sites.
8. How can I report the Netflix phishing scam?
Forward scam emails to phishing@netflix.com. Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Notify your email provider, bank, credit bureaus as needed. The more reports there are, the more likely action will be taken to stop scams.
9. How can I protect myself from the Netflix membership scam in the future?
Carefully check sender addresses on emails, no matter how official they look. Avoid clicking unverified links. Use unique passwords on all accounts. Enable two-factor authentication where possible. Monitor accounts regularly for unauthorized activity.
10. Are other popular sites also impersonated in phishing scams?
Yes, scammers create fake emails and sites impersonating many major companies like Amazon, Apple, PayPal, banks, social networks, and more. Always verify legitimacy before providing any sensitive information.
The Bottom Line
Email scams impersonating popular subscription services like Netflix are on the rise. While the fake messages become increasingly sophisticated, there are ways to detect the signs of phishing attempts and avoid compromising your personal and financial data.
With vigilance and healthy skepticism applied to any unsolicited messages, you can protect yourself and your accounts. Make sure to follow best practices around account security as well.
If you do inadvertently provide information to scammers, take action quickly to halt charges, freeze your credit, change account passwords and scan for malware. Avoid making the same mistakes twice.
Staying informed about the latest online fraud tactics allows you to keep one step ahead of scammers seeking to profit off unaware victims. Share this advice with friends and family to improve safety for everyone!
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
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Meet Thomas Orsolya
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
