The police have issued a warning about the resurgence of phishing scams targeting users of the popular streaming platform, Netflix. The scams involve fraudulent emails, claiming to be from Netflix, alerting recipients of payment or subscription issues that have resulted in a temporary suspension of their account. These emails direct users to click on a link to verify their details, which then redirects them to a phishing website where they are prompted to provide their banking and card details.
The police disclosed that at least 35 cases have been reported since October 1, with losses totaling at least S$40,000 (US$29,700). Victims of the scam only realized the ruse after discovering unauthorized transactions on their cards or bank account statements.
In response to these scams, the police reminded the public that Netflix would never request personal information such as card numbers and bank account details through text or email. Additionally, Netflix cautioned its users to be wary of unfamiliar URLs and advised them to refrain from entering any information if they encounter unfamiliar links. Netflix also recommended users change their passwords and update them on other websites or apps where the same email and password combination was used if they have been lured by a phishing link or provided personal information.
The streaming company emphasized that it will never request a user’s password or payment through a third-party vendor or website, further highlighting the importance of being cautious when engaging with online requests for personal information.
For individuals who possess information related to such fraudulent activities, the police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or the online submission portal at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness are available for reporting.
