TV email scam targets pensioners

PENSIONERS are being targeted for their cash in bogus emails offering a refund.

The fake alerts state they are from TV Licensing and offer money back to those over 75 years old.

The emails have included a link encouraging pensioners to input their bank details for the so-called ‘refund.’

But police and TV Licensing have said these emails are fake and urged residents not to input any personal information and delete the emails immediately.

Saddleworth and Lees Pc Lee Cullen said: “This morning we been informed of a scam email that is landing in people’s email inboxes.

“The email purports to be from TV Licensing offering a refund to people over 75 years of age.

“There is a link to a page where you are invited to fill in your name and address details and then at the bottom of the form is an area for you to input all of your banking details to receive the refund back. This is a scam.

“Please do not respond but contact TV Licencing for advice and more information.

“We understand that TV Licencing are receiving hundreds of calls this morning so this email message is a brand new threat.”

A spokesman for TV Licensing said legitimate emails would only come from donotreply@tvlicensing.co.uk and no-reply@tvlreminders.co.uk. Any emails from other accounts asking for personal information and bank details – or offering refunds – should be deleted, the spokesman said. He added: “A small number of our customers have received scam email messages saying they are due a refund. “A link directs customers to a fake version of the official TV Licensing website which asks them to enter personal information and bank details. If you receive a similar email message, please delete it. If you have already clicked the link, do not enter or submit any information. TV Licensing never sends refund information by email and is investigating the source of this fraud.”