Don’t Fall for This “Suspended Netflix Account” Scam

If you receive a text or an email warning you that your Netflix account is suspended, you’ll likely be concerned. Netflix accounts aren’t necessarily cheap these days, and to have yours suspended out of the blue is alarming. Don’t worry, however: If you really are seeing this alert via SMS or email, it’s likely entirely fake. Your Netflix account is still in good standing—you just need to do nothing.

This “suspended Netflix account” message is, unfortunately, yet another phishing scheme, designed to put the pressure on you to “fix” the problem. Scammers know that subscribers who see this message will want to rectify the situation immediately, so they may be inclined to click on any links in the text or email to do so. Of course, what appears to be a link to a Netflix support site on the user’s end is actually a phishing site, which may either collect your information to use against you, or install malware on your device.

Attackers may ask you to verify your account information, or, more concerningly, your credit card details. When you do, you’ll give them everything they need to make payments on your behalf. On the other hand, they might instruct you to download a support doc to your device, which actually contains malware that runs on your computer in the background, stealing your information and utilizing your device’s resources. Either way, it’s bad news.

The upside is, there’s nothing you actually need to do if you receive one of these messages. You put yourself in no danger by simply ignoring it. In fact, it’s the best thing you can do. By not engaging with any links or downloads attached to the message, you’ll foil the phisher’s plans.

If you want to be sure the message is illegitimate, contact Netflix directly—do not click any links, or use the contact methods found in the email. The company will be able to confirm whether or not your account is in good standing. If it is, Netflix will likely want you to forward them the message you received for their own internal analysis. This advice applies to any company that sends you unsolicited and unexpected suspension notices. When in doubt, contact the company directly.