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German Watchdog Warns of Netflix Phishing Emails Claiming Failed Payment, Cancellation Threats

German consumer watchdogs urge users to verify account status only through official Netflix channels.

Overview

  • The campaign emails assert a Netflix monthly payment failed and say the subscription has been cancelled to push recipients to react.
  • Red flags include a garbled subject line such as "IhrNetflix-Zugang wir-konstenlos-verlngert" and a 24-hour cutoff threatening service shutdown.
  • The messages list the recipient’s address under an "Informationen zu Ihrem Konto" section to feign legitimacy despite impersonal greetings and suspect senders.
  • Consumer advocates advise ignoring the emails, not clicking links, moving them to spam, and checking account status via the Netflix app or website.
  • Reports from the Verbraucherzentrale, FOCUS online, and Chip.de on Dec. 15 note no evidence of a Netflix system breach, describing a classic social‑engineering attempt.