Streaming Giants Being Targeted In Scams, BBB Warns
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning about fake streaming service activation prompts. You would think everyone knows to be cautious about emails, websites, links, and text messages from companies. But when you’re used to receiving communications from familiar brands, it’s easy to let your guard down.
Emails and text notifications from streaming services are pretty common. They might let you know about an expiring subscription, offer a free month, or share news about a new show or movie.
What the streaming scams could look like
According to the BBB, you need to be on your toes when activating accounts for Netflix, Disney+, PBS Passport, or Hulu. If you’re already a subscriber, you’ll likely recognize a scammer’s attempt to fish for your personal information. But if you’ve just signed up, these scams can seem like the real deal, tricking you into thinking they’re part of your new or renewed service.
It can happen if you’re ready to activate your new Netflix, Disney+, PBS Passport, or Hulu account. Maybe you even think you missed a payment and are just reactivating it. The email you receive has links that seem to take you to an official site for one of these services, like Hulu. But if it’s a scam, the link takes you to a lookalike site designed to trick you into downloading malware.
These fake sites may have the official logos and branding, but there’s always something a little off. So, always check the details, especially if you’re genuinely starting one of these services. Clicking any button like ‘update,’ ‘activate,’ or ‘download’ could put your device at risk of a virus that gives scammers access to your personal information. If anything feels off, close the page immediately.
How to avoid service scams according to the BBB
The BBB recommends always double-checking that you’re visiting an official website. Scammers can make fake sites look legit in search engine results, but they can’t copy a website’s official URL. Before you click, take a close look at the URL and make sure it’s spelled correctly. Scammers hope you’ll overlook this and click without a second thought.
They also advise being wary of ads and sponsored links. Sometimes scammers use ads to get their lookalike sites to appear at the top of search results. Remember, just because a website is at the top of the list doesn’t mean it’s the official one.
Lastly, the BBB emphasizes being careful with your login information. Make sure you’re on the official site before entering your username and password, and never enter this info on third-party sites. Remember that legitimate customer service representatives usually don’t ask for passwords over the phone or through email.
Check out more about activation scams where scammers ask you to pay unnecessary fees or provide your login information here.
