Xmas surprise: able to sign-up for NetFlix without a paid-for VPN

[orang37]

Note: I trust the mods will move this to whatever other forum they feel is appropriate; if they are so ... moved. I am on a forum-restricted diet

I am using Windows 8.1, Chrome browser, and using the Hola (free) browser extension https://hola.org/ (set, of course, to browse "from" the U.S.).

I am surprised that an in-country credit-card (Bangkok Bank) was accepted for the one-month "free trial." I had always assumed that Hola could not deliver the full facilities of a VPN, and that NetFlix would not allow out-of-country credit-card payments.

cheers, ~o:37;

Edited December 25, 2015 by orang37

[Trujillo]

Hola, one of the most popular online services for viewing blocked videos and TV showsfrom other countries, has turned its users into a botnet without their knowledge. The software, which is available as plugin for the Chrome browser on desktop and mobile devices, had previously been praised for offering an easy-to-use and free service. However, it seems the company has been discreetly selling users' "idle resources" (i.e. their bandwidth) via a separate Luminati brand, allowing anyone to buy traffic in bulk and redirect it to a target site as a denial-of-service attack. Essentially, Hola's users have been unwitting mercenaries in a botnet-for-hire.

http://www.theverge.com/2015/5/29/8685251/hola-vpn-botnet-selling-users-bandwidth

Edited December 25, 2015 by Trujillo

[CWMcMurray]

Sounds good OP, didn't realize that could do that either

Another local service is Iflix, no need for hola , as based in Thailand

Also only 1,000 thb per year, so super good value

I find it a really good compliment to Netflix, as very little overlap and a lot of good shows not on Netflix

[RichCor]

Posted 2015-12-25, 22:25

Note: I trust the mods will move this to whatever other forum they feel is appropriate; if they are so ... moved. I am on a forum-restricted diet

I am using Windows 8.1, Chrome browser, and using the Hola (free) browser extension https://hola.org/ (set, of course, to browse "from" the U.S.).

I am surprised that an in-country credit-card (Bangkok Bank) was accepted for the one-month "free trial." I had always assumed that Hola could not deliver the full facilities of a VPN, and that NetFlix would not allow out-of-country credit-card payments.

cheers, ~o:37;

NetFlix probably accepted the credit card Primary Account Number (PAN) you entered because it complied with the MOD 10 algorithm for account number verification, but since it is a free trial, the account is never actually charged/verified.

I'm sure they'll send you an email when the IIN/BIN (first 6 digits) of your VISA card come up as Bangkok Bank.

Edited December 25, 2015 by RichCor

[Lordfoul]

I have been paying for Netflix for almost 5 years with a Thailand-based credit card. The card is not even in my name. I don't think they care.

[orang37]

NetFlix probably accepted the credit card Primary Account Number (PAN) you entered because it complied with the MOD 10 algorithm for account number verification, but since it is a free trial, the account is never actually charged/verified.

I'm sure they'll send you an email when the IIN/BIN (first 6 digits) of your VISA card come up as Bangkok Bank.

No. They charged the card today.

~o:37;