Attorney General warns Consumers of Recent Email Scam Targeting Netflix Subscribers

Jackson, MS–Attorney General Jim Hood is warning consumers today of a recent email scam targeting Netflix subscribers. After receiving emails purporting to be from Netflix, Mississippians have recently contacted the Consumer Protection Division of the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office.  The email states that their credit card information has expired and advises them to update their account by clicking on a link provided.  In reality, these were fraudulent emails sent by scammers, impersonating a popular consumer brand to con citizens out of their financial information. “This is an example of the types of phishing scams our office sees on a regular basis,” said Attorney General Jim Hood. Consumers are urged not to comply with this or similar email requests and to use caution when opening emails or downloading documents from unfamiliar sources. “Be Safe.  Make it a practice to never respond to emails or pop-ups that ask for your personal or financial information,” continued Attorney General Hood. Phishing is the term used for computer-related scams that use email, pop-up messages or cell phone text messages to deceive the consumer into revealing their credit card numbers, bank or credit union account numbers, social security numbers, passwords or other personal information.  Scammers will often impersonate legitimate companies, banks, credit unions and other financial institutions in hopes that consumers will fall for the scam and provide their personal information and account numbers. “Education and prevention are still key to avoiding these types of scams,” said Attorney General Hood. The Attorney General’s Office offers some basic tips to help keep you from becoming a victim of these or similar scams: *NEVER reply to an email, pop-up, telephone or text message that asks for personal or financial information. Legitimate companies WILL NOT ask for this information. *ALWAYS contact the organization using a telephone number you know to be correct if you are concerned about your account. Do not call or text the number left in the message, and NEVER follow an internet link to a site. *NEVER email personal or financial information. Review credit card and bank statements as soon as you receive them to determine whether there are any unauthorized charges. *ALWAYS keep your anti-virus software up to date. In addition, use a firewall, which helps to make you invisible on the Internet and blocks communication from unauthorized sources. *BE CAUTIOUS about opening attachments or downloading files from emails you receive, regardless of the sender. Anyone who suspects they have been a victim of this scam or any other, should contact the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-281-4418. More tips on scams can be found at http://www.agjimhood.com.