This new TV licence scam could steal your bank detailsÂ

Victims of a new scam seemingly offering a refund on their TV licence could have their bank details stolen, Action Fraud is warning.Â
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Sep 2018, 10:26 BST
Updated 24th Sep 2018, 11:33 BST
Action Fraud have issued a warning about a new TV licence scamAction Fraud have issued a warning about a new TV licence scam
Action Fraud have issued a warning about a new TV licence scam

The scam was reported last week and already the National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre has received more than 100 reports of people receiving the fake email. 

The emails sent out by fraudsters claim that TV Licencing have been trying to get hold of recipients regarding an over-payment refund or that due to invalid account details a credit was not possible. 

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Action Fraud have issued a warning about a new TV licence scamAction Fraud have issued a warning about a new TV licence scam
Action Fraud have issued a warning about a new TV licence scam
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They contain links to convincing looking websites that are designed to harvest bank account and credit card details.

Action Fraud warn that you should never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text. 

As well as saying that you should always question unsolicited requests for personal or financial information. 

Here are TV Licensing's tips for spotting a scam email 

 '“ Check the email contains your name '“ TV licensing will always include your name in any emails they send you. 

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- 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.

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- Never provide details by email - TV licensing will never ask you to reply to an email and provide bank details or personal information.

To report a fraud and receive a police crime reference number, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use Action Fraud's online fraud reporting tool.