Hello Everyone,

We have been alerted to a new scam currently doing the rounds via email with regards to TV Licensing.

Please be vigilant when acting on information via emails.

All genuine emails will come from or will direct you to the TV Licensing website: https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/

How can I tell if an email is genuine?

• Check the spelling and Grammar of the email – does it read correctly? Or does it look like someone tried to ‘Google Translate’ the contents of the email.
• Check the sender – does it come from who it claims to come from or does it come from a @yahoo.com or gmail.com address? A genuine company will not send emails from a free email address like Yahoo or Gmail. (you can check who sent the email by hovering over their name at the top of the email)
• Does the email demand immediate action? Like the example above, it demands that you make payment immediately for a supposed overdue payment.
• Does the email feel ‘odd’? Trust your instincts, if you feel like something is wrong, do not click on any links or follow any actions set out in the email.
• Is the email addressed to you? Genuine emails will always be addressed to you by name, not your email address or Sir/Madam or User.

What should I do if I get a scam email?

• If you’re still not sure if the email is genuine, contact the company directly, DO NOT RESPOND TO THE EMAIL. Responding to the email will alert the scammers that your address is active and is being monitored, this will likely cause them to send more scams to you. The same goes for the ‘unsubscribe’ option located at the bottom of the email.
• Do not click on any links in the email – these may direct you to a site that looks like the genuine site, but is in reality a clever lookalike to trick you into handing over your details.
• Delete the email
• Contact your email service provider if you receive a large number of scam emails. They may be able to help or advise on how to configure filters to avoid spam entering your inbox.

What should I do if I clicked on a link in a scam email?

• Don’t panic. If you have handed over financial information, contact your bank as soon as possible to prevent any payments from coming out of your account. Inform them that you may have fallen for a scam.
• Change your passwords. If you have entered a password for your account(s), change them as soon as possible. Scammers can use this information to access your other accounts to perform fraudulent actions.
• Contact your local SNT or call 101 (police non-emergency number) or speak to Action Fraud (https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/) for advice.
• Contact your local IT professional for advice, if you are concerned that you may have downloaded a dangerous file or received an infection from the site. Scammers may attempt to install software to allow them to access your computer remotely later, or to try and capture passwords.

TV Licensing has a short set of Frequently asked Questions (FAQs) about scam text messages claiming to be from TVLicensing.

TV Licensing FAQs – https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/faqs/FAQ233

AgeUK How to Spot a Scam – https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/scams-fraud/tv-licence-scams/

Below is a transcript from the email we’ve received.

From: TV.Licence / Pay Now / Direct.Debit
Sent: 09 May 2020
Subject: [UK]’YourLicence DirectDebit 2020 Support ‘Avoid TV License session interruptions | ‘Something`s gone wrong with your direct debit’ | ‘Review your automatic payment’ |Item Number:27129301928341

High importanceTV Licensing message

Something went wrong

Dear [name removed for privacy],

We’re really sorry to tell you that we cancelled your licence as we were unable to authorise your payment details. Unfortunately we’ve had to suspend your account as you currently have an overdue balance of £32.00.

Overdue balance of: £32.00
Please get in touch immediately to pay this amount.

Click here to pay

Tv licence no: 329748230698
Licence expire on : 5/9/2020 1:59:32 p.m.
Payment Method: Online by Card

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.

Thank you
TV Licensing UK