Authorities have issued an urgent warning about a Netflix phishing scam targeting Australians in isolation during the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

Text messages offering free subscriptions to the popular online streaming service are being widely circulated by scammers trying to trick subscribers' into giving out personal information such as bank account and credit card numbers and passwords.

'Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will give out three months of Netflix Premium to help you spend time at home,' the text messages states.

The message includes a link which would supposedly let the victim claim the promotion.




Australians are being warning about a scam offering free subscriptions to Netflix (stock image)

Government body Scamwatch warns everyone to not click on the link and to delete the message immediately.

'Don't fall for this #COVID -19 Netflix phishing scam!  Netflix is not offering free streaming for 3 months. Don't click on the link - just delete the message,' it tweeted on Thursday. 

Australians have become a common target for phishing scammers during the coronavirus crisis due to recent lockdown laws.

'Unfortunately, scammers are taking advantage of the spread of coronavirus to exploit and play on the fears of consumers across Australia,' the Scamwatch website states.

'Scammers are doing things such as falsely selling coronavirus-related products online, and using fake emails or text messages to try and obtain personal data.' 




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Scamwatch shared the phising text message Australians need to be aware of and to delete

People are urged to not click on any links in emails or messages, or open attachments from people or organisations they don't recognise.  

The number of cybercriminals trying to steal individuals details via streaming services such as Netflix, malware Disney+ and Spotify and selling them for discounted prices  is on the rise, according to cyber security firm Proofpoint.

Scammers tactics to be aware of include a malicious code sent via e-mail which aims of taking control of devices and phising emails claiming there is an issue with the users account and asking for login details to address the problem.




Online streaming services such as Netflix have become a recent target of scammers

Scammers are also using previously stolen credentials/password reuse.

Subscribers to major online streaming services such as Netflix have have options within their settings to manage devices connected with the account.

Proofpoint recommends subscribers concerned about potential unauthorised use on their accounts to log into their settings to review recent streaming activity.