Local MP warns of TV license phishing scams
Gordon MP Richard Thomson is raising awareness of particular concerns over 75's could be targeted after removal of their license fee exemption.
Gordon Constituency MP Richard Thomson is warning people to be on the look-out for potential scams regarding TV licensing.
Following the removal of licence fee exemptions for over 75's there are particular concerns these people will be target by scammers at the same time genuine payment information is being sent out by the TV licensing authority.
One of the most common types of TV Licensing Scam is known as ‘Phishing’, where scammers use fake emails and websites to harvest bank account details and fraudulently take funds from those accounts.
Commenting on the issue Richard Thomson MP said:
“Scammers are taking advantage of the issuing of genuine TV Licence billing information to scam older and vulnerable residents by stealing their bank account data and other personal information. They do this with very clever fake emails and websites that look like the real thing but which are only set up to steal information and defraud people of significant amounts of money.
“In a recent local example a constituent has described an email, purporting to be from TV Licensing, saying there was problem with their application and instructing them to make a direct debit payment from their bank account straight away or risk having their license cancelled and their details passed to a debt collection agency.
“Scams like this are unfortunately very much on the rise, particularly on the back of recent changes to the TV Licence system, and I would urge people to look carefully at all correspondence. There is good information on the genuine TV Licensing website at www.tvlicensing.co.uk explaining how to recognise scams and where to report them.
“If you have friends or relatives over 75, especially those who may be more vulnerable, it is a good idea to check what they are doing about their TV License. People over the age of 75 will be receiving genuine billing information during August and September - there is a real risk that they may be targeted by scammers at the same time.
“Stealing from the elderly is particularly abhorrent behaviour and I hope that regular warnings of these scams will help people stay on their guard.”