People aged 75 and over now have to pay for a TV licence. Sadly criminals often contact people claiming to be from TV Licensing asking them to send money.
The emails are disguised to look like they have been sent by the TV Licensing organisation.
They can advise that your license is about to expire or claim that you are entitled to a refund for an overcharge. You will next be prompted to respond by providing your bank information on a fake website.
What are the main things to look out for?
TV Licensing mention on its website that it includes the name and/or part of people’s postcode in its emails. Many scams simply use your email address or say ‘Dear Customer’.
TV Licensing also send its emails from donotreply@tvlicensing.co.uk (or donotreply@spp.tvlicensing.co.uk). If you are a TV Licensing payment card customer and you make mobile payments via the TVL Pay app, you may receive emails from noreply@paypoint.com. The sender’s name will show as ‘TVL Pay’.
Scam emails often tell you that you need to make an urgent payment. TV Licensing says it emails customers only about payments if they have missed one. You can sign in to your account to check.
Scam emails often say you can get a refund or a cheaper licence. TV Licensing says it will never do this unless you have contacted it about a refund or it is replying to you.
Scam emails may also show a fake licence number. This is on letters TV Licensing sends, or search your email inbox for emails from ‘donotreply@tvlicensing.co.uk’ (or ‘donotreply@spp.tvlicensing.co.uk’).
If you have clicked on a link, make sure you’re at tvlicensing.co.uk or spp.tvlicensing.co.uk.
How to avoid a TV licence email scam
Always check the sender — genuine TV Licensing emails are sent from donotreply@tvlicensing.co.uk or donotreply@spp.tvlicensing.co.uk.
If you have provided TV with your postcode details, real emails will include part of your postcode and/or the name on the licence.
If you’ve given them your name, then the emails will address you using your last name and title. The scammers won’t normally have that information about you.
Be cautious of emails that promise money or refunds. For instance, language like "click below to access your refund" followed by a request for your credit card number or bank information.
Before clicking on any links in an email, always double-check them.
If you’re on a computer, hover over the link (but don’t click it). This will reveal the name of the web address that you are being sent to.
If you’re on a smartphone or tablet, press and hold on the link (don’t release while you are on it). This will reveal the name of the web address that you are being sent to.
How to report a scam
TV Licensing works with the Government’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to help stop scammers.
Send any scam or suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and it will investigate.
