Attackers are using fake emails to try and trick their way into Netflix accounts (Getty)

Netflix customers in Ireland are being targeted with a phishing attack in an attempt to hack their accounts.

The streaming giant has put out a warning to try and avoid other users falling victim to the same scam.

It has told its customers to be vigilant and remember that Netflix will never ask for any personal information by email.

‘Phishing scams are, unfortunately, very common and often exploit well-known brands,’ a spokesperson for Netflix told the Irish Sun.


The statement continued:

‘Internet users should always be cautious when they receive an email request any personal information or credit card details. Phishing is an attempt to acquire your personal information by pretending to represent a website or company you trust online.



‘Phishers will go to great lengths to try to hijack your account or steal your personal information. They may create fake websites that look like Netflix, or send official-looking (but fake) emails asking you for personal information.

‘Netflix will never ask for any personal information in an email. This includes: Payment information (credit card number, debit card number, direct debit account, PIN, etc.), Social security number or tax identification number and your account password.

‘Be careful if you receive an email message asking your for this or any other personal information. If you’re unsure about a link in an email, you can always hover over the link to see where it goes (you’ll see the real, linked web address at the bottom of most browsers. If you’re still not 100% sure that the website you’re on is the real Netflix site, you can always type http://www.netflix.com directly into your web browser.’

Netflix account users are being warned to stay cautious (Photo by Olly Curtis/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

The customers targeted by the phishing scam reportedly received an email saying that an error had been detected in their account.

The email reads: ‘Dear customer, during the regular maintenance and verification processes, we have detected an error in your account. If your account information is not updated within 24 hours, your ability to access your account will be restricted.’

It would then provide a link to a fake page that would prompt the customer into giving up their information.

Stranger Things Season 3 is launching on Netflix later this summer (Netflix)

While a stolen Netflix account may not be inherently valuable on its own, the information contained within could be used by cybercriminals. They could either exploit account information to steal money, or just sell the credentials onwards on the dark web.

Jake Moore, cyber security expert at ESET, said: ‘cyber criminals tend to create phishing emails purporting to be sent from large companies to have the largest effect. As Netflix have millions of users, there are more users to target in the hope that more unsuspecting victims will click on the links.

‘Years ago, the blanket emails would have been from a Nigerian Prince but now they tend to create emails looking like they are from Apple, PayPay and Netflix to name a few. Telltale signs still lie in the fact they say “Dear customer” to start the email rather than your name and they attempt to instill fear threatening restricted access to the account.

‘Social engineering techniques use the principles of persuasion such as fear to entice people to do what they are told which has a far greater click rate. Netflix, and other companies used by hackers, will not kill your account without going through far more personal details with you and won’t ever use threatening communication. It is always worth ringing a number found on the genuine website to speak with customer service if you are ever doubtful of any correspondence.’

If you’re a Netflix user, whether in Ireland or the UK, it’s important to be particularly vigilant at the moment.