Discount subscriptions put money, personal data at risk, experts warn

Subscriptions to services such as Netflix and YouTube Premium cost an average of 65 percent less when bought through unofficial resellers, but buyers risk losing their accounts, their money and their personal data, a cybersecurity firm said Monday. Netherlands-based Surfshark compared official prices for 10 popular subscription services, including Netflix, Spotify, YouTube Premium and Duolingo, with prices on resale platforms. Resold subscriptions averaged about 6,200 won ($4.60) a month, compared with about 17,600 won through official channels. That is a saving of about 11,400 won a month, or more than 130,000 won a year. Resellers typically sell shared accounts or access to them, often at prices far below official rates. The study found that eight of the 10 services required a minimum 12-month commitment on resale platforms, and the other two required at least six months. Buyers who lose access before the term ends may have to rely on the reseller for help or a refund. Some platforms also asked for more personal information than needed. One asked for a buyer’s name, address, postal c