SCAM AND FRAUD ALERT

From Hampshire and IOW Neighbourhood Watch

HINWA (http://www.hinwa-nw.org.uk). April 2019.

TV Licence Billing, Renewal or Refund Fraud

Since September 2018 there have been large numbers of reports of fake emails purporting to be from TV Licensing. Scams involve emails claiming that either a refund is due or there is a problem with billing or with the account. The links in the emails lead to phishing websites designed to steal personal and financial information.

They will use headlines such as ‘correct your licensing information’, ‘billing information updates’ and ‘renew now’ to trick people into clicking on the link within the email.

These emails are sophisticated and convincing. They can catch out anyone – even the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk admitted to being out caught by this scam earlier this year.

How to keep safe from this type of fraud

1. Always be suspicious of unsolicited requests for personal or financial information in case it is a scam.

2. Never automatically click on links in an unexpected email or text.

3. If in doubt, check with the organisation by phone or email using contact details from your records – do not use contact details given by the fraudsters

4. Do not be rushed into action. If in doubt, delete the email. A genuine organisation will always find a different way to contact you.

If you’ve fallen victim – what next?

5. Stop further payments – contact your bank or cancel your credit card. (Monitor your statements regularly for any unusual activity.)

6. Report this has happened – contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at actionfraud.police.uk.

More

For more advice on signs to look for and how to avoid being a victim of this type of fraud go to the Action Fraud website: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/alert/action-fraud-warns-against-fake-tv-licensing-emails-as-over-2500-reports-are-made-in-two-months-alone