At least S$40,000 lost to Netflix phishing scams since October

SINGAPORE: Police warned on Wednesday (Nov 27) of the reemergence of phishing scams involving fake emails purporting to be from streaming company Netflix.

At least 35 cases have been reported since Oct 1, with losses totaling at least S$40,000 (US$29,700), police said in a press release.

In these scams, victims received emails purportedly from Netflix claiming payment or subscription issues that resulted in their account being temporarily suspended.

“The email will instruct victims to verify their details by clicking on a URL link embedded in the email,” police said.

Victims who click on the links are directed to a phishing website and asked to provide their bank and card information.

Fraudsters will then allegedly misuse victims’ information to make unauthorized purchases.

Victims realized they had been defrauded after unauthorized transactions were detected on their cards or bank statements.

Police have told the public that Netflix will never ask for personal information such as card numbers and bank account details via text or email.

In an advisory on its website, Netflix added that it would never ask a user for their password or payment through a third-party vendor or website.

“If the text or email links to a URL you don’t recognize, don’t tap or click it. If you’ve already done so, don’t enter any information into the website that opens,” Netflix said.

The streaming company advised users to change their passwords and update them on other websites or applications that use the same email and password combination whenever they click on a link or share personal information.

Those with any information regarding such crimes can call the police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness.