Use these smart tips to avoid TV scams
Scammers can target victims through any device connected to the internet, and your TV is no exception. The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas has seen an influx of reports about scammers catching people off guard with pop-ups on their smart televisions. Their objective is to steal your personal information and money, and they could potentially gain access to your home network.
The scam follows a similar pattern. You open a familiar streaming service on your smart TV. However, you can’t log in. Instead, a pop-up appears, telling you there is a problem with your device or your streaming subscription. You need to call a phone number or visit a website to fix it.
In some cases, if you call the number, scammers pretend to be customer service representatives. They will insist you pay an activation fee or allow them remote access to your smart TV. These con artists will get your credit or debit card number if you pay the fee. If you give them access to your device or click on a link they provide, the scammers may install malware on your TV and use it to gain access to sensitive personal information, available on your home internet network.
Alternatively, sometimes scammers ask you to “fix” the issue by paying them in gift cards. One consumer reported that after calling a number that appeared in a pop-up on their smart
TV, a scammer instructed them to purchase three $100 Xbox gift cards to add “anti-hacking protection” to their account. After buying the gift cards and contacting the number again, it became clear they were dealing with scammers.
The Better Business Bureau offers the following tips on how to avoid smart TV scams:
Double-check any fees you have to pay. If scammers ask you to pay an activation fee, antivirus protection fee, or any other kind of fee, do some research beforehand. For example, scammers claim you need to pay an activation fee to start using your Roku. However, a quick online search reveals that Roku never charges activation or registration fees.
Don’t fall for fake websites. Scammers love to create imitation websites using URLs that are just a letter or two off. Fake websites are a threat, even on smart TVs, so double-check the URL.
Another way to protect yourself is to avoid clicking on links in pop-ups and, instead, type web URLs directly into your browser.
Check before you call. If a “customer service” phone number appears in a pop-up, double-check it before you call. Contact a streaming service or TV manufacturer’s website to find their customer support number. Never let anyone control your device remotely. Scammers usually ask for remote computer access, but they could also ask for access to your
smart TV. Don’t ever give control of your device to a stranger.
If you spot a smart TV scam, report it to the BBB at BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help boost consumer awareness.
For information, visit www.bbbhouston.org or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is BBB VP of investigations and public affairs. Send questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org with address and phone number.