Problem Solvers: Phishing Email Tries to Net Netflix Customers

Bogus email had attachment that asked for credit card, ATM card information

A North Texas woman is warning people about a phishing email she received last month that claims to be from Netflix.

Lauren Nitschke said the bogus email contained a zip file that opened a form asking for a credit card number and ATM PIN.

Nitschke said the mail looked just like ones from Netflix she had received in the past. She is no longer a member but bought a subscription as a gift that was about to expire.

"It said my payment had been declined," she said.

Nitschke said was suspicious but concerned that it could relate to her gift subscription.

The email said in part:

"Dear Netflix Member,

Your payment method was declined for one of several reasons, such as insufficient funds or an expired credit card.

To correct the problem, please update your credit card or add a new one in order to be able to use your Netflix account in the future."

Nitschke opened an attached zip file that asked her to input her credit card numbers and even her ATM PIN.

People who receive phishing emails should never open attachments in the emails. Some phishing emails contain software or viruses that can track activities on the Internet, including when people input passwords or financial information, or otherwise harm a computer.

The Federal Trade Commission says people also should not reply to emails or messages asking for personal or financial information, click on links in the emails or copy and paste links from the message into a browser.

"Legitimate companies don't ask for this information via email," the FTC warns.

People should type the company's correct Web address into a browser themselves or call the company with a number they know is genuine to check on their account.

Nitschke spoke to a Netflix customer service representative about the bogus email. Nitschke said the rep told her to forward the email to Netflix but did not seem concerned about alerting other customers.

"There are thousands of Netflix members, what a great target," Nitschke said "We had elderly parents. They could open this and think it was real and become victims. Somebody needs to know about it. I think if we're alerted to it, it makes everybody that much safer."

In a statement, Netflix said it is working with members to alert them of the phishing scheme but did not offer specifics.

Nitschke said she wrote an alert to her friends so they would know not to fill out the bogus form.

If you have a problem or story tip that needs investigating, contact NBC 5's Problem Solvers by emailing newstips@nbcuni.com. You can also email your problem by video.

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