Netflix scam emails: how to spot a fake

Scammers copy Netflix because millions of people use it. Here's how to tell a fake Netflix message from a real one, and what to do if you already clicked.

In short

Netflix says it will never ask for your card numbers, bank details or Netflix password in a text or email. It also says it never asks for payment through a third party vendor or website.

Most common fake: Emails or texts saying your payment failed and your membership will be suspended.

Safest check: Do not tap the link, go to netflix.com yourself or open the Netflix app and check your account.

Example · fake Netflix messageIllustrative, links disabled
Netflix: We could not process your last payment. Your membership will be paused today. Update your billing details here: netflix-billing-update[.]com/account
An example fake Netflix message with the warning signs highlighted.

What Netflix says

Netflix says it will never ask for your card numbers, bank details or Netflix password in a text or email. It also says it never asks for payment through a third party vendor or website. Source: Netflix

Common fake Netflix messages

  • Emails or texts saying your payment failed and your membership will be suspended
  • Links to fake Netflix login or payment pages
  • Fake websites, apps or phone numbers pretending to be Netflix customer service
  • Messages asking you to confirm your password or card details

Netflix's real web addresses

Genuine Netflix links and emails use these domains. Look at the part just before the first single slash: netflix.com is real, but netflix-support-center.com or netflix.com.account-check.top are not.

  • netflix.com

Scammers can also hide a fake link behind real-looking text. Learn how to read a web address.

How to check a Netflix message safely

  1. Do not tap the link, go to netflix.com yourself or open the Netflix app and check your account
  2. Check the sender address and hover over or press and hold links to see where they really go
  3. Review signed in devices in Manage Access and Devices and sign out any you do not recognise

How to report a fake Netflix message

Also report it to the official fraud service in your country. See the worldwide list.

If you clicked, paid or shared details

Act quickly. It makes a difference.

  1. If you entered card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card, and ask them to block the card.
  2. If you entered a password, change it on the real Netflix website or app and turn on two-step verification.
  3. Expect follow-up calls or messages pretending to help. Never share one-time codes or move money to a "safe account".
  4. Report the scam, then delete the message.

More help: Phishing links and fake login pages and what to do after a scam.

Questions people ask

Does Netflix send messages asking for payment or personal details?

Netflix says it will never ask for your card numbers, bank details or Netflix password in a text or email. It also says it never asks for payment through a third party vendor or website.

How can I check if a Netflix message is real?

Do not tap the link, go to netflix.com yourself or open the Netflix app and check your account. Check the sender address and hover over or press and hold links to see where they really go. Review signed in devices in Manage Access and Devices and sign out any you do not recognise.

How do I report a fake Netflix message?

Forward suspicious emails or text messages, and details of fake websites, apps or phone numbers, to phishing@netflix.com.

I clicked a link in a fake Netflix message. What should I do?

Don't enter anything else. If you typed card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card. If you entered a password, change it on the real website and turn on two-step verification. Then report the message and delete it.

Official sources and further reading

We check our pages against official advice from the organisations themselves and from government agencies.