Warning over fake TV licensing emails which could trick you into handing over bank details
The convincing scam emails will claim you are owed a refund, or that your payment hasn't gone through
FRAUDSTERS are tricking people into handing over their bank and card details with fake TV licensing emails.
The convincing scam emails will claim you are owed a refund, or that your payment hasn't gone through because your bank details are invalid.
The scammers will then ask you to input your bank and card details, and use them to drain your accounts.
Links in the emails lead to clone versions of the TV licensing website, that will harvest your personal details.
ActionFraud - the UK's national fraud and cyber crime reporting centre - said it has received 100 reports of these scam emails over the last few days.
It also warned that the emails and the way the scammers will try to mine your data keeps changing - so be on your guard if you receive an email claiming to be from TV Licensing.
Here's how to spot a scam email
TV Licensing has put together a guide to help you spot if an email saying it's from them is fake:
Check the email contains your name – TV licensing will always include your name in any emails they send you.
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 suspect.
Check the email address - does the email address look like one that TV Licensing use? For example [email protected]. Look closely as often the address may be similar.
Check for a change in style - often the 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.
Check for spelling and grammar - are there any spelling mistakes, missing full stops or other grammatical errors?
Check the links go to the TV Licensing website - hover over the links in the email to see their destination and check the web address carefully. If you are not sure, go directly to the TV Licensing website.
Never provide details by email - TV licensing will never ask you to reply to an email and provide bank details or personal information.
An Action Fraud spokesman warned: "There have been over 100 reports about these scam emails in the past few days that appear to have been constantly evolving.
"They claim that TV Licencing have been trying to get hold of recipients regarding an overpayment refund or that due to invalid account details a credit was not possible.
"The refund links lead to cloned TV Licencing websites that are designed to harvest bank account and credit card details."
To report a fraud and receive a police crime reference number, you can call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use its .
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Netflix have also been recently warned not to fall for scam emails asking customers to update their payment details.
It's not the only scam going around. Drivers with poor credit scores are being warned not to fall for fake adverts for car leases on social media.
And young drivers are also being warned to stay alert to fake "ghost broking" insurance scams online which leave motorists unknowingly driving illegally without cover.
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