Phishing scams are abundant and one of the latest we’ve seen is trying to convince Netflix customers their accounts have “expired” with an option to extend their membership for free for 90 days. Here are the details and tips on how to help friends and family stay safe.

As it happens, I’ve gotten this phishing email twice in the last week. It looks legitimate at first glance with the Netflix branding and app icon. It’s also written quite well without strange wording or major typos. At the bottom, there’s a fake disclosure saying it’s certified as not spam.

But even if you know how to tell these scam emails apart from legitimate ones, it’s nice to be aware of what’s floating around to warn friends and family.

Confirming a phishing scam

• While the name of the email shows as coming from Netflix, a quick tap or click reveals it’s not from a Netflix domain – confirming the scam.
• Too good to be true offer – this phishing scam says you can claim a free 90-day extension – that’s a bit tricky as some streaming services will offer a deal to get you to sign back up, but 3 free months is a bit suspicious.
• Another red flag, below the “Extend for Free” button says you’ll need to enter your credit card. Editor's note: Netflix would already have your credit card number for the monthly charges.
• Typically, Netflix accounts don’t “expire” but the wording of this scam intends to make users worry.

BEST PRACTICE: When in doubt, don’t click buttons or links in emails – head directly to the website or service to check your account status by manually typing in the web address in your browser.

Thanx to Michael Potuck from 9TO5Mac.com

FSL SeniorNet at Family Service League, Olsten Family Center

790 Park Avenue, Huntington, NY 11743 1-631-470-6757

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• PC Computing Basics 2, starts May 21
• Facebook, starts May 22
• Exploring Files and Folders with Windows 11, starts June 3
• Microsoft Excel: For Beginners and Beyond, starts June 6

Available for Private Instruction

FSL SeniorNet at Family Service League, South Shore Iovino Family Center

1444 Fifth Avenue, Bay Shore, NY 11706 1-631-647-3100

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• Mac Computer Basics 1, starts June 4
• PC Computing Basics 2, starts June 4

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Town of Brookhaven, FSL SeniorNet @ Henrietta Acampora Cottage

39 Montauk Highway, Blue Point, NY 11715 1-631-470-6922

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Available for Private Instruction

Webinars are held over Zoom,

Seminars are at local libraries.

• Traveling with Your Smartphone on May 21
• Google: More than a Search Engine on June 10
• Windows 10: Survey of Settings & Desktop on June 17
• Smartphone Photography on June 26

ALL CLASSES:

Registration is open until 10 AM sharp one day before the start of a class.

To participate in our classes, register and pay online with a credit or debit card. If you prefer to pay by check or cash, contact the office at 631-470-6757, or register in person at Open House/ Registration Day in Huntington, Bay Shore, & Blue Point. Reminder emails are sent by fslseniornet@fsl-li.org ftwo days before the first class in a series.

ONLINE CLASSES:

To participate in our online courses, you need to download Zoom on your computing device*. The Zoom link will be included in the confirmation sent by ezregister.com. The teacher will also send the Zoom link and manual before the class.

WEBINARS ARE ONLINE:

Registration is open until one hour prior to the webinar's start time.

The Zoom link will be included in the confirmation sent by ezregister.com. Reminder emails are sent by fslseniornet@fsl-li.org five days before the webinar. Additionally, the teacher will also send the Zoom link and handout the day before the webinar. 

SEMINARS ARE IN-PERSON & LIBRARY HOSTED:

Registration is managed by our host library. Their registration link will be provided on their website, our email blasts, and our webpage.

SOLD OUT:

Please call 631-470-6757 or send an email to fslseniornet@fsl-li.org

to receive an email with information as to when the course (webinar, seminar, class or workshop) is offered again. Please include the name of the course you are interested in.

COMPUTING DEVICES:

Computing devices include Windows and Mac Desktops & Laptops,

iPads, and Android Tablets. It is NOT recommended to Zoom using your smartphone due to the smaller screen size.

ZOOM HELP IS AVAILABLE:

 If you need instructions on downloading and using Zoom, click here:

HOW TO JOIN A ZOOM CHAT.