WEST VIRGINIA RECORD

CHARLESTON — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is warning consumers about a phishing scam that targets Netflix users through their emails.

In this particular scam, Netflix users receive an email from an account purporting to be affiliated with the online media streaming provider. The email states that the customer’s credit card information is not working and cannot be processed. In reality, the email is not from Netflix.

“Scammers often will use an email that may look legitimate to try to steal money from West Virginia consumers," Morrisey said in a press release. "We suggest people always approach unsolicited emails with a little bit of skepticism.

“Look for tell-tale signs that the email might not be legitimate, such as a strange originating email address, poor grammar, or sentences that do not make sense. Do not simply trust what an email says, and do no click on any embedded links.”

The AG's office said it recently has received multiple complaints and notifications of this scam from consumers in the Northern Panhandle. The office encourages consumers to delete the questionable emails immediately. Consumers who have concerns or questions about an account with a company they do business with should call the business or go online to its official website.

“Our Office wants consumers to beware of phishing emails during the holiday season,” Morrisey said. “Many West Virginians will be busy shopping at the mall or online and may overlook an email such as this. We encourage everyone to be vigilant and careful before ever giving out their personal banking information.”