13 InvestigatesScam Alert

Actions

Police department warns of Netflix phishing scam

Posted at 6:35 PM, Feb 01, 2018
and last updated 2018-11-21 17:45:50-05

The Grand Rapids, Michigan Police Department is warning its citizens of a possible email scam designed to trick Netflix customers into giving fraudsters their credit card numbers. 

According to the department, an email has circulated claiming that a Netflix account has expired, and that the customer needs to update their billing information. But instead of clicking on a link that takes customers directly to Netflix's website, the link prompts people to give their billing information, which goes to a possible thief. 

"If you encounter this email, or any email you believe to be fraudulent, close it out without opening the links," Grand Rapids Police said in a Facebook post. "If you would like to check the status of any account that you have online, we recommend that you go directly to the website and login as you normally would."

Netflix offers tips to customers to avoid getting scammed: 

  • Never enter your login or financial details after following a link in an email or text message. If you're unsure if you're visiting our legitimate Netflix website, type www.netflix.com directly into your web browser.

  • Never click on any links or open any attachments in an email or text message you received unexpectedly, regardless of the source.

  • If you suspect an email or text message is not from Netflix, do not reply to it. Follow the steps below to forward it to us.

13 Investigates - Send us a tip
Do you have a story idea or tip for 13 Investigates? Fill out the form below.
Are you willing to go on camera?

HOW TO WATCH