TV licence holders in Merseyside are being warned about a new scam.
In the UK, a TV licence is required to watch live TV in the home, and due to the volume of people who do so, it's a bill often targeted by scammers.
The latest scam demand victims renew their TV licence after their 'latest payment' could not be taken.
READ MORE: Merseyside's most expensive streets popular with footballers and celebrities
The email states victims must renew their licence immediately or face fines and their details being passed on to a debt collection agency.
Warning locals on the community site NextDoor, one man from Bebington, Wirral posted about the scam which he was fortunately able to identify before parting with any money.
The new scam reads: "Direct Debit Alert. We're sorry to let you know that the TV License could not be automatically renewed. Something's gone wrong with your payments.
"As we couldn't take the latest payment from your bank account, this amount will also need to be paid when you set up your new Direct Debit.
"Remember, if you don't keep up with your payments, we may be forced to cancel your license or pass your details to a debt collection agency.
"To change your payment method, have a look at all your options. So, all you need to do is make sure there's enough money in your account. Or, if you prefer to pay the missed amount now, you can sign in online and pay using your debit or credit card.
"While you're signed in, please make sure we have your correct bank details. Set up your new direct debit
"Best Regards, TV Licensing Team"
In a bid to prevent people falling victim to scams, TV Licensing issued a list of tips that will help people confirm the validity of the sender.
On their website, TV Licensing advises customers to look out for:
- Your name and/or part of your postcode. Never 'Dear Customer'
- Emails are sent from donotreply@tvlicensing.co.uk
Addressing email scams in particular, the advice also warned TV Licensing payment card customers who make mobile payments via the TVL Pay app, that their emails will be from 'noreply@paypoint.com' and the sender's name will show as TVL Pay.
Email recipients are urged to check the email address by selecting the sender's name, or email address, to show the actual email address as scammers can often hide the true email address they're using.
A clear warning sign that a scam may be in play is that the recipient is told they need to make an urgent payment.
Addressing this, TV Licensing said: "We only email customers about payments if they have missed one. You can sign in to your account to check."
Scam emails also often say the person can get a refund or a cheaper licence.
TV Licensing have previously confirmed: "We will never do this unless you have contacted us about a refund and we are replying to you," confirmed TV Licensing.
