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.
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? Run a Free Malware Scan
Slow performance, constant pop-ups, or strange behavior? These are classic signs of a malware infection. The fastest way to find out is to scan your device with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free — one of the most trusted malware removal tools available.
The free version detects and removes the most common threats, including:
Adware — the cause of those annoying pop-ups
Browser hijackers — unwanted redirects and changed homepages
Trojans and spyware — hidden programs stealing your data
Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) — software you never asked for
👉 Select your device below — Windows, Mac, or Android — then follow the simple steps to download Malwarebytes, scan your system, and remove any threats it finds. The whole process takes about 5 minutes.
Malwarebytes for WindowsMalwarebytes for MacMalwarebytes for Android
Run a Malware Scan 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.
(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)
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:
Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
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.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take several minutes. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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.
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, your PC is clean and you can continue with the next steps in this guide.
When the scan finishes, click Quarantine to remove everything Malwarebytes found. That’s it — your Windows PC is now clean of trojans, adware, and other malware, and should be back to running smoothly.
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:
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.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
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“.
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.
Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
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.
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.
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.
Once the scan is done, remove every threat it detected. Your Mac is now free of adware, rogue browser extensions, and other potentially harmful software.
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.
Run a Malware Scan 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.
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.
After the scan, tap Remove Selected to delete all detected threats. Your Android phone is now clean — no more malicious apps, adware, or browser redirects.
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.
Now that your device is clean, keep it that way. Most infections start with a malicious ad or a fake download button — so blocking them at the source is your best defense.
We recommend AdGuard, which blocks malicious ads, phishing pages, and dangerous redirects before they can reach you.
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!
10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams
Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.
Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.
Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).
If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.
Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.
Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.
If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.
Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.
Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.
If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.
Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.
Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.
If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.
Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.
Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.
If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.
Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.
Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.
If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.
Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.
Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.
If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.
Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).
Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.
If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.
Back up important files and keep one backup offline.
Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.
If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.
If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.
Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.
Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.
These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.
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.
