5 million pension savers could put their retirement savings at risk to scammers

TV Licensing Emails Sent to Users to Steal Personal Data

Users received several TV licensing emails where the correspondent claims to be a bank representative, and they want the customers to pay for the service. Some received mails to get a refund on the payments, where the subject of the mail was "rectify your licensing details" or "billing updates" or "renew now."

The fraudulent sender convinces the victims that they represent their bank, asking for personal details to offer the refunds. They claim the user's account has been compromised and requires updates to transfer funds, or they need details to create a new, safer account. 

TV licensing informed it never sends messages to its customers on emails asking for bank details. Additionally, they do not send unprompted messages to gain personal information or email the user that they can get a refund. 

How To Protect Yourself?

• Never reply to unprompted emails from TV licensing that say you are entitled to get a refund. Do not send your bank details to claim for a refund as a reply to unprompted mail. 

• In case you receive any such emails, do not click the links provided in the attachments. 

• Do not trust unsolicited calls from banks or TV licensing where they claim to know your name, address and bank name. The group may imitate legitimate firms to trick people into sharing personal information or providing remote access to the devices. 

• Some of the firms use clone sites that use spoofed numbers to contact the target. 

• If you suspect you have been conned, call your bank immediately to let your bank know about the transactions. The officials can monitor the bank statements to spot unusual transactions.

• If you suspect your identity has been stolen, check your credit file. Also, report the matter to the regulatory authorities.