How to avoid TV Licensing coronavirus scam as Action Fraud warns of spike in fake emails
HOUSEHOLDS with a TV licence are being warned to stay alert following a spike in fake emails from fraudsters who are trying to steal your personal details.
Action Fraud has issued a new warning over an email wrongly telling people that they are eligible for a "COVID19 Personalized Offer" of six months free TV licence.
The email, which purports to be from TV Licensing, also claims the recipient's direct debit has failed.
It then threatens the victim with debt collectors unless they pay an outstanding balance.
Action Fraud says the messages contain links to genuine-looking websites that are designed to steal personal and financial information.
The email starts with the subject: “The TV License you have could not be renewed.”
How to protect yourself from fraudsters
ACTION Fraud recommends following these tips to stay safe from scammers.
- Never assume someone who calls or emails you is who they say they are - even if they’re able to provide some basic details about you.
- Always be suspicious of unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information.
- Check for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors if you think an email isn't genuine.
- Always take a good look at the email address of the sender. Keep an eye out for suspicious-sounding domain names and spelling errors in their email address.
- If you're not sure if a link included in an email is genuine - do not click on it.
- When making a purchase, be suspicious of any requests to pay by bank transfer or virtual currency instead of safer methods, such as credit card or payment services such as PayPal.
- Personal information obtained from data breaches is making it increasingly easier for fraudsters to create highly targeted phishing messages and calls - watch out for these.
- Listen to your instincts: If something feels wrong then it is usually right to question it.
The body of the message then reads: “Dear Customer,
“Oops! Something went wrong with your payment.
“We’re sorry to let you know that the TV License could not automatically be renewed.
“Renew your licence before it expires on 12/05/2020 to remain legally licensed.
“If you don’t keep up with your payments, we may be forced to cancel your licence or pass your details to a debt collection agency.”
TV Licensing is currently not offering any type of payment break for households who are struggling financially - instead, it asks individuals to get in contact if they can't keep up with their direct debit.
There are several tell-tale signs that show this email isn't genuine.
Throughout the chain, the email switches between English and American spellings - it alternates between licence and license.
Lastly, the email is sent from a domain which calls itself "mytvlicense" when the genuine authority is called "TV Licensing".
says it has seen a spike in reports of fake TV Licensing emails, with 260 people claiming to have been sent a fraudulent message so far this month.
If you're concerned about an email or call that you don't think is real, never hand over any personal information.
Instead, use Google to find the genuine number for the company and ask them if they've just contacted you.
If you think you've been scammed, contact Action Fraud immediately on 0300 123 2040 or .
A TV Licensing spokesperson told The Sun: “In common with other large organisations, TV Licensing has seen fraudsters sending scam emails to the public posing as genuine TV Licensing communications.
"We would like to remind customers to be extra careful when considering whether to enter their personal information.
"If you are unsure about an email you’ve received, you can sign in to your licence online at to check your licence and payment plan details.”
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Morrisons and Tesco shoppers have said they have been targeted via emails by thieves who are after their bank details.
Other scammers have been impersonating HMRC and emailing people about about tax refunds.