I’m not sure how many digital and streaming subscriptions we have, but it’s a lot. I know we have Disney+, Paramount, YouTube, Netflix, and my family could list at least five more.
January has become prime time for a specific kind of scam that preys on distraction, financial fatigue, and the chaos that follows the holidays. After weeks of gift buying, travel, and temporary subscriptions, many people are less certain about what they signed up for. Scammers know this and are taking advantage of it.
The result is what I call the post-holiday subscription scam.
How the scam works: You receive an email claiming there was a failed renewal, an unauthorized charge, or a payment problem with a service you recognize. The messages often appear to come from familiar brands like Netflix, Amazon, or Disney+. The logos, colors, and wording look convincing. Some even include a partial credit card number or a fake invoice ID to add legitimacy.
The email urges you to act quickly. There is usually a prominent button that says “Update Payment” or “Review Charge.”
That button is the trap.
When clicked, it leads to a fake website designed to look identical to the real service. Any credit card or login information entered there goes directly to scammers.
The timing is intentional. Many people really do sign up for short-term or seasonal services during the holidays. In my own house, I love Hallmark Christmas movies, so this year my husband subscribed to Hallmark just for me. That kind of thoughtful gift is exactly what makes January confusing. By the time renewal emails start arriving, it can be hard to remember which subscriptions are legitimate and which are not.
Scammers rely on that uncertainty and the natural instinct to resolve a billing issue quickly.
Never click a link in a billing or renewal email.
If you are concerned about a charge, open a new browser window and type the company’s website address yourself. Log in directly and check your account status there. If there is a real problem, it will appear in your account dashboard.
January is a reset month for many things, including finances. A few extra seconds of caution can keep a simple email from turning into a costly mistake.