BBC LICENCE SCAM FEARS
CON ARTISTS TARGETING PENSIONERS BY EMAIL Fraud campaigners warn OAPs to beware
Patrick Hill
Con artists pretending to be TV licensing officers have been targeting OAPs by falsely claiming they need to set up new direct debit agreements.
Fraudsters have contacted thousands of householders by email – just days after the Government announced a new review that could see anyone who refuses to pay their TV licence facing visits from bailiffs.
The scam was uncovered by a watchdog, which warned people to beware of the activity.
An Action Fraud spokesman said last night: “TV licensing will never ask you to reply to an email and provide bank details or personal information.
“Just because someone knows your basic details – such as your name and address or even your mother’s maiden name – it doesn’t mean they are genuine.
“Criminals can exploit the names of wel l - known companies in order to make their scams appear genuine.”
Emails seen by the Sunday Mail’s sister paper, the Sunday Mirror, include a photo of an elderly man looking at a screen, a recipient being addressed by name and claims that the direct debit for their TV licence had been cancelled.
The rogue message also includes a bogus, green-coloured message saying, “Message sent from a trusted sender”. It adds: “Your TV Licensing Service could not be automatically renewed.
“Today is your last chance to remain licensed. You won’t be covered if you let your licence expire. 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 direct debit. Best regards, The TV Licensing Team.”
The recipient is then directed to a link, where they are asked to fill out their bank details.
Free licences for over-75s were axed this month for all except those entitled to Pension Credit.
Campaigners have warned the prospect of bailiffs visiting is “distressing and frightening” to the elderly. Rebel OAPs have said they plan to “gum up” the system by cancelling direct debits and paying by cheque.
The BBC has also said “an enforcement system” could be necessary if paying the licence fee is decriminalised.
Action Fraud added: “Every report matters. If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, report it to us.”