Netflix "Payment Failed" Text and Email Scam: How to Tell If It Is Real

Short answer: texts and emails saying "your Netflix payment failed" or "your account is on hold, update your card" are a common phishing scam. Do not use the link. Type netflix.com into your browser or open the Netflix app: if there is a real payment problem, you will see it there.

How to spot a fake Netflix message

• It arrives by text, which Netflix rarely uses for billing problems.
• The sender address is a lookalike, such as "netflix-billing" or a random domain.
• The "Update payment" link goes to a site that is not netflix.com.
• It asks for your full card number, password or bank login.
• Urgency: "your account will be closed within 24 hours".

How to check your real account

1. Open the Netflix app or type netflix.com yourself.
2. Go to Account and check Membership and billing.
3. If everything is fine there, the message was fake.

Already entered your details?

• Call your bank to block the card and dispute any charges.
• Change your Netflix password, and any account where you use the same password.
• Sign out of all devices in your Netflix account settings.

Report it

Netflix asks people to forward suspicious messages to phishing@netflix.com. In the UK, forward scam texts to 7726. In the US, report to the FTC.

Related: Apple ID locked scam texts, fake renewal invoices, unknown card charges.