PSA: Closing Accounts

[Cdog]

Many here are likely experienced enough to already know what I’m about to post.

In April for several reasons I closed (at least thought I had) my Netflix account. I wasn’t billed nor was it available from mid May through yesterday.

Well guess what? It appears anyone that had access to the account (grandchildren and likely many of their friends) can still login and restart the service. Canceling your account obviously doesn’t completely close it. All your billing information remains, so anyone with previous access can go back in and restart the account.

So, if you’re canceling anything, I recommend changing all the account information possible. User name/email account and password. Also find and select log out of all devices. Netflix account page wouldn’t allow me to delete credit card info without adding a new payment method.

I’m going to dispute the charge with both Netflix and the credit card company.

I was foolish enough to believe canceling the account was enough. Dismantle the thing! Change anything you can and be sure to log all users/devices out.

I hope this helps someone here avoid waking up to a welcome to Netflix email they didn’t ask for.

 

[Greyman50]

Many cases it easier to “ lose” the CC and just call CU, bank and get another card.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Many cases it easier to “ lose” the CC and just call CU, bank and get another card.

My brother and I have credit cards dedicated to certain accounts just so we can "loose" them after any questionable use.

Also Visa and others have "Gift" debit cards that can be reloaded. You can use them up or keep adding cash. This stops others from getting personal info, or selling the number. I get them in $100 and $500 increments, and use them when traveling and toss every day or two! I write the last 4 digits on a card in wallet with the pin and the balance.

During Covid shut down some places wouldn't take cash, this was a ID free and untraceable solution!

Ivan

 

[H Richard]

Kind of sounds like the "Crackdown" I heard about. Netflix had reported that less than half of the users of Netflix were subscribers. They were family and friends that were using it, but in actual violation of the Netflix agreement.

 

[bigwheelzip]

Might want to think twice about disputing it, and chalk it up to lessons learned.
Netflix has been looking into "shared" accounts, and might consider you facilitated theft of services.
BTW, the 9th Circuit has found it a crime, under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.


Sent from my motorola one 5G using Tapatalk

 

[Cdog]

I contacted Netflix and they were quite nice. My account was being used in places like New York.

The young lady said it wouldn't be a problem shutting everything down and refunding the $20.

Lesson has been learned. Keep an eye on any account you close. I haven't used the account personally in a long time. My only choice internet provider's speed is too slow to support music, sure won't support video use. After moving I had kept the service for the grandchildren to use. (no grandchildren that I know of in NYC) I had no idea the grandchildren logging in would give them access to management settings.

Thanks for all the advice!

 

[bigwheelzip]

Glad it worked out for you.

 

[Geronimo Jim]

I avoid Netflix and advise all my friends to do the same.

 

[DukeSoprano]

I am embarrassed to say this but one day I decided to look at all my accounts, some were billed through Amazon, some my debit card, some credit card, some thought my cable system.
I had $136 in EXTRAS!
This is besides my cable bill

I was paying for Starz and Showtime twice a month!
Once through my cable bill and once through Amazon Plus

Yes I know its my fault for not paying closer attention.......

 

[Onomea]

Re "losing" your credit card and getting a new one as a solution, when my cc number was stolen recently, and the stolen number card cancelled and a new card sent to me, I was told by the cc bank (Chase) that charges made to the old number by services I paid regularly (e.g., Netflix) would continue to be honored for an interim/overlap period.

I suppose one could specifically tell the bank to not honor any further charges to the old number. That would probably work.

 

[Cdog]

I am embarrassed to say this but one day I decided to look at all my accounts, some were billed through Amazon, some my debit card, some credit card, some thought my cable system.
I had $136 in EXTRAS!
This is besides my cable bill

I was paying for Starz and Showtime twice a month!
Once through my cable bill and once through Amazon Plus

Yes I know its my fault for not paying closer attention.......

Nothing to be embarrassed about.

With so many boxes to check and uncheck overlapping and duplicate services we have to navigate through today it's not surprising.

I'm sure your experience is far more common than you may think.

 

[Greyman50]

My CU is Very Tight concerning CC fraud and will stop it with just a phone call and will call asking if I want/ need a new card. Can walk in any branch in area and get new debit or credit cards in less than 5 minutes.

 

[glenwolde]

Re "losing" your credit card and getting a new one as a solution, when my cc number was stolen recently, and the stolen number card cancelled and a new card sent to me, I was told by the cc bank (Chase) that charges made to the old number by services I paid regularly (e.g., Netflix) would continue to be honored for an interim/overlap period.

I suppose one could specifically tell the bank to not honor any further charges to the old number. That would probably work.

The same thing happened to me.

I change the password first before I close something. I like to use a password generator and then I don't write it down! Something like :+U&sLttsuX56+?7e

I also use one card for all recurring charges and leave it at home. If you lose your wallet or another card is compromised you don't have to change all your recurring charges. It really helps keep track of your recurring charges. Plus you have a spare card.