Fake TV licence emails lead to more than 5,000 complaints

TV Licencing has said an official investigation is underway into scam emails that attempt to steal customers’ bank details. Source: Jonathan Hordle/REX/Shutterstock
TV Licencing has said an official investigation is underway into scam emails that attempt to steal customers’ bank details. Source: Jonathan Hordle/REX/Shutterstock

An ongoing TV licence scam has led to more than 5,000 complaints over the past three months, according to Action Fraud.

The national cyber crime monitor has issued multiple warnings in recent months about phishing emails that ask TV licence holders to update their payment details. The emails use headlines such as “correct your licensing information” and “your TV licence expires today” to get victims to click on a link to a fake website run by scammers.

The number of reports has steadily risen in each of the past three months, Action Fraud said. It received 5,057 complaints about such emails between 1 October and the end of December. Of these, 1,785 were made in November and 1,805 were made in December.

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The fake website asks victims to provide their bank details, including their account number, sort code and three-digit card verification number, as well as personal information such as their name, date of birth, address, phone number and their mother’s maiden name.

The official TV Licensing website is assuring customers that an investigation is underway and offers a warning that reads: “Some customers are receiving scam email messages saying they are due a refund or need to keep up their payments. A link directs customers to a fake version of the official TV Licensing website which asks them to enter personal information and bank details.

“If you receive a similar email message, please delete it. If you have already clicked the link, do not enter or submit any information.”

TV Licensing also offers the following tips to beat scams. Customers should:

  • Check the email address. Most TV licensing emails come from donotreply@tvlicensing.co.uk or no-reply@tvlreminders.co.uk.

  • Check the email subject line. Anything along the lines of “Action required”, “Security Alert”, “System Upgrade”, “There is a secure message waiting for you”, and so on, should be treated as suspicious.

  • Check the link. If you are on a desktop computer, hover over the links in the email to check their destination. If you are on a mobile or tablet, go directly to the TV licensing website.

  • Check for changes in style and errors in spelling or grammar. Often, scammers will take the real emails and amend them. Look out for changes in the wording used, especially if it seems too casual or familiar.

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