Netflix and theft.
Techsperts is warning Netflix subscribers about an “extremely large” cyber scam in which criminals take over sensitive financial information by sending fake messages.
“SMS extortion campaigns targeting Netflix customers are ubiquitous and persistent, but they vary in size and scope,” security firm Bitdefender warned. According to tech site Cybernews.
In the latest digital scheme that began in September and is still prevalent, cybercriminals send fake SMS texts to Netflix subscribers alerting them to problems with their accounts.
NETFLIX: There was a problem processing your payment. To keep your service active, please sign in for more information:https://account details[.]Com”;read one such alert.
Another common pirate message warns customers about so-called “failed payments.”
According to Bitdefender, these messages contain links to phishing websites designed to collect “login credentials, personal information, and credit card details.”
The stolen credentials end up on the dark web, where they are sold to various secret organizations.
This message masquerade has spread to 23 countries, including the United States, and is facilitated by Netflix's lack of two-factor authentication safeguards.
Instead, streaming platforms rely solely on usernames and passwords, making the sites susceptible to spear phishing.
Technicians say the scam works by creating a “sense of urgency that requires immediate action” and that “losing access to Netflix for missing a payment is the definition of an emergency for many people.” That may be the case,” he added.
Fortunately, it's easy for customers to spot these digital intruders.
First, major companies don't send customers links that require verification, so Netflix doesn't contact customers via text.
To avoid being fooled by malicious actors, Bitdefender recommends customers not to open suspicious links and to manually enter them into websites instead of clicking on them without vetting them.
Unfortunately, digital Trojans don't always appear as “phishing” text messages. It may already be present on your phone.
Earlier this week, cybersecurity firm McAfee identified 15 malicious apps downloaded to at least 8 million Android phones and further warned of a “significant increase in predatory loan apps globally.”
