Netflix's sophisticated email scam targets New Zealand's customers

An email asking Netflix users for billing information is aimed at New Zealand customers, inviting the streaming giant to encourage users to learn more about security options.

In a phishing scam seen by Newshub, an email is sent to an account holder based in Auckland. At first glance, the document seems legitimate, but a number of indicators indicate that it is unlikely to be real.

"It's been over two months since you updated your information," the report says.

"During a routine audit of your account, we did not validate the billing method we recorded.

"To continue using the Netflix service, you must update your billing information.Please note that if you do not complete the verification process, your Netflix membership will be permanently suspended."

The e-mail sends a directive to "click" on the link that sends users to a Web page blocked by Mediaworks servers.

Some signs indicating that e-mail is a fake can be quickly spotted during further inspection and may also appear during similar phishing scams.

Instead of the name of the account holder, the notification is sent to the e-mail address to which it was sent.

Although the sender appears as "support", the email address has been sent from a weird address unrelated to Netflix from a foreign URL.

Other markers are something that is wrong, such as poor grammar and spelling, and the fact that the sender does not indicate the company's contact information.

A statement from Netflix Australia and New Zealand said that they took safety seriously, but that they were an easy target because of the popularity of their online media services.

"We take the security of our members' accounts seriously and Netflix uses a number of proactive measures to detect fraudulent activity in order to secure the Netflix service and the accounts of our members," said the spokesperson.

"Unfortunately, scams are common on the Internet and address popular brands such as Netflix and other companies with a large customer base to entice users to give out personal information.

"Members who want to know more about protecting their personal information from phishing attempts and other malicious activities can visit netflix.com/security or contact customer service directly."

Netflix users who receive a fake email are advised to report it to Netflix and Netsafe.

Newshub.