How to Avoid Fake Emails for Amazon Prime or Netflix Payment?

Check the headline

The subject of the email or the headline is the first checkpoint. If it is something like – “Update your Payment Information Now” then it is fake. Not just this, sometimes the subject lines are so convincing that the user gets tricked easily. So you have to be careful.

Check the Email Body

Such emails generally state the user that there is some issue with their account which is why it has been suspended temporarily. And, in order to resume the services, the user need to update their payment information. Sometimes, there’s even a time deadline like 2 hours given to the user in order to prompt immediate action.

Check links and attachments

Most of the time such emails are laced with corrupt links and attachments. These links when clicked by the user redirects to a website which is a lookalike of amazon prime or netflix website. However, these are phishing websites that capture the information entered by user and forward it to the hacker.   While it is hard to stay away from internet technology for its very benefits, the need of the hour is to stay alert and follow some standard security tips. Take a look:

• Stay cautious about what you click. It is a good practice not to reply to emails that doesn’t sound familiar to you. Only emails from trusted sources shall be considered.
• Always make sure you browse the source directly. An email that asks for your personal information needs to be confirmed for authenticity before being replied to. You can contact the support staff to verify if they have sent such an email or not.
• Make sure your devices such as laptop and mobile are protected with an email security software. Having this, fake or phishing emails are automatically filtered to a separate folder.
• In case you have been tricked by such an email and have shared your payment details, wait no further and raise a complaint with your credit card provider so that they can take the appropriate action. 

To know more about phishing emails, you can read our post on Different Types of Email Phishing Scams.