TV licensing scam

• Fraudsters are sending people fake TV Licensing emails to steal their personal information.

• Victims who click on the link in the email risk having their money stolen by fraudsters.

• In December 2018 alone, 200 crime reports were made to Action Fraud in relation to TV Licensing emails, with victims reporting a total loss of £233,455.

 How to protect yourself from fraudulent emails:-

• Never answer unsolicited emails from TV Licensing. The organisation will never email you, unprompted, to tell you that you’re entitled to a refund or ask for bank details/personal information. 

• Don’t assume a phone call or email is authentic. Just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name or address), it doesn’t mean they are genuine. Criminals can easily spoof the phone numbers and email addresses of companies you know and trust. 

• Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information, and never click on the links and attachments in emails or texts you receive out of the blue.

• Your bank will never call and ask you for your PIN, full banking password, or ask you to transfer money out of your account.

 What to do if you’ve fallen victim:-

• Let your bank know as soon as possible and monitor your bank statements regularly for any unusual activity. 

• If you suspect your identity may have been stolen you can check your credit file quickly and easily online. You should do this every few months anyway using a reputable service provider and following up on any unexpected or suspicious results.

• Every report matters and if you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, report it to Action Fraud at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/reporting-fraud-and-cyber-crime or by calling 0300 123 2040.

 Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime where you should report fraud if you have been scammed, defrauded or experienced cyber crime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

 The service is run by the City of London Police working alongside the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau who are responsible for assessment of the reports and to ensure that your fraud reports reach the right place. The City of London Police is the national policing lead for economic crime.