TV Licence scam emails

We have received reports of a TV Licence scam being emailed out to people.

What is the TV Licence scam?

These emails are a phishing scam, a common type of email fraud where scammers will send bogus emails pretending to be from a respectable organisation. This is to trick you into clicking through to a fake website where you will enter your personal details.

For this scam, the emails are disguised to look like they have been sent by the TV Licensing organisation.

They may say you're entitled to a refund for an overpayment or warn that your licence is about to expire. They will then ask you to respond by entering your bank details on a fake website.

Although the emails may use the TV Licensing logo and have other features that make them look authentic, you should never trust them.

What should I do if I get this email?

If you see this suspicious email, don't reply with your details or open any links or documents. Delete it straight away.

You can report the phishing attempt to Action Fraud. Not all reports will be investigated, but every report will help Action Fraud better understand the scale of a problem and the methods that scammers are using.

If you're still unsure, you can contact the TV Licensing company directly using the phone number that is on the official TV Licensing website.

What should I do if I've been a victim of a scam?

If you've been the victim of a scam, remember that you're not alone. Scams are increasingly common and many people are caught out. Here are some tips on what you should do next:

• If you suspect you've lost money in a fraud, contact your bank or building society. They can cancel any cards or freeze your account.
• Report the crime to Action Fraud either through their website or on the phone 0300 123 2040.