Netflix Subscribers Being Targeted With Phishing Scam, Warns Better Business Bureau

March 11, 2014 | Filed under: Business,News | Posted by: admin

Netflix Subscribers Being Targeted With Phishing Scam, Warns Better Business Bureau

Netflix.com rocks! (Photo credit: luxuryluke)

CHICAGO, IL – March 11, 2014 – Scammers have found another opportunity to steal personal information from consumers. A new phishing scam has surfaced that is targeting Netflix subscribers, according to the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Users that are targeted will be led to a phony webpage that may resemble the Netflix login page. The Netflix users will enter their account information and the fake website will claim that the user’s account has been suspended. A fake customer service number is provided and a “representative” recommends the user download the “Netflix support software,” which is remote login software that gives the fake representative full access to the user’s computer.

“Netflix has a good reputation and scammers are taking full advantage of that,” says Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “Anyone could fall for this scam.”

There are three key indicators consumers should look for that show an email involved in this scam is not from Netflix: First, the phone number is not Netflix. Instead, the number belongs to a call center in India. Second, the webpage is a popup. Third, the “representative” wants to login to your computer via remote software.

Here are some tips on how to avoid this scam and others like it:

Never let someone login to your computer remotely. When someone logs in, they can do anything you can do on your computer. They can access anything including personal and financial information.

Do not click links in emails. It is better to type the address in the search bar manually.

If the URL seems odd, do not continue to go to the site. If it is a scam, it will most likely have an unusual URL. It will likely contain a common name but be accompanied by some jumbled letters or numbers.

Always look up the company’s phone number on their website. If you need to call a company, look it up on their official website. This can make sure that you are calling a legitimate number.

For more advice on scams, visit bbb.org

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As a private, non-profit organization, the purpose of the Better Business Bureau is to promote an ethical marketplace. BBBs help resolve buyer/seller complaints by means of conciliation, mediation and arbitration. BBBs also review advertising claims, online business practices and charitable organizations. BBBs develop and issue reports on businesses and nonprofit organizations and encourage people to check out a company or charity before making a purchase or donation.