Netflix users have been warned that scammers will use information to steal your money, your identity, or both.
A US government agency has issued Netflix users with an official warning after hackers sent out a set of professional looking emails asking members of the public to update their payment details.
The highly convincing emails state that they are being sent from the streaming service, however people have been sternly warned that this is not the case and they are in fact criminals trying to steal users sensitive information.
The message that is currently circulating reads as follows: 'We're having some trouble with your current billing information.'
'We'll try again, but in the meantime you may want to update your payment details.'
At the end of the email, there is a red button that asks readers to 'Update Account now'. Should a reader click the button, a link will direct them to a website that is designed to look like Netflix, but is in fact fake and run by hackers.
US government agency, the Federal Trade Commission, has issued an important warning to Netflix subscribers who are at risk of receiving the email, and has urged consumers not to 'take the bait.'
The warning written by the Trade Commission has also stated: 'Scammers use your information to steal your money, your identity, or both'
'They also use phishing emails to get access to your computer or network.'
'If you click on a link, they can install ransomware or other programs that can lock you out of your data.'
The Prince William County Police Department also issued a warning on Twitter. This read:
'Netflix phishing #scam: Don’t take the bait – A message from the @FTC. Scammers often use familiar company names or pretend to be someone you know. Here’s a real world example featuring Netflix.'
Another Twitter user stepped in to warn people to take precaution in light of the scam, writing:
'Always beware of any emails that take you away from your inbox. Links, buttons etc. - never a good idea to click them. When you get an email that alarms you, #TakeFive & log in independently'
