TV License Scam: Warning As Brits Targeted By Direct Debit Emails – Could Lose Thousands of People | Personal Finances | Finance
TV licenses are required for those who wish to watch live TV on any channel at home. In most cases, a standard TV license now costs £ 157.50, and this can be paid for primarily through a direct debit agreement. But sadly, once again, scammers are trying to exploit the typical payment method, hoping to scam Brits with thousands of pounds.
Many have reported receiving an email that deployed a technique used by crooks in the past.
And the scam seems to be happening more frequently recently, with another cycle of emails being sent.
The email told Britons there was an issue with their direct debit that they will need to rectify in order to continue to be able to watch TV legally at home.
They are then asked to click on a link that directs them to a legitimate looking website, providing additional information.
The website link reads: “Welcome to the TV Licensing Direct Debit Manager. The upcoming process will help you set up your new direct debit, which will reactivate your services.
“Please use the exact information regarding your residential and billing data – click the button below to set up your new direct debit.
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Legitimate emails or letters include the name and / or part of a zip code, but many scams, like this one, simply use the phrase “Dear Customerâ€.
Additionally, all legitimate company emails must be from [email protected] so other domain names must be indicative of a scam.
The company will not ask for a person’s mother’s maiden name, card details until they have logged in, or date of birth, unless they apply for a license. free.
For anyone who has unfortunately been the victim of such a scam, they are encouraged to report it to Action Fraud.
If the scam involved entering details of a card or bank account, contacting a bank immediately is the best solution.
The warning about a new TV license scam came after a group of people received genuine correspondence from the licensing company regarding the non-payment.
The British have complained that they have received “threatening” letters, advising recipients that they could face prosecution if they do not pay.
The letter included red capital letters and bold type, which some disputed.
However, a spokesperson for TV Licensing told Express.co.uk: “These letters are unrelated to the changes to free licenses for over 75s, they were not sent to customers who previously held a free TV license over 75 years of age and the TV license will not be visiting them while these changes are implemented.
“For people who are not part of this group, we do not apologize for reminding them that they have to pay the license fee.
“The tone of the letters sent gets progressively louder, depending on whether or not people respond to inquiries. TV Licensing does its best not to disturb real non-viewers, but we have a duty to uphold the law. “