Fraudsters offering discounts on TV subscriptions

3 May 2018 03:10 PM

Action Fraud have noticed an increase in reports where fraudsters are offering victims discounts on their TV subscription, or told their account needs to be renewed. 

How does this scam work?

Fraudsters are cold-calling victims, purporting to be from a Television (TV) provider offering a discount on their monthly subscription. Victims are usually told;

• Their subscription needs to be renewed.
• Part of (or all) of their TV equipment has expired.
• They are due an upgrade on their equipment/subscription package. 

In order to falsely process the discount, the fraudster asks victims to confirm or provide their bank account details. The scammers may also request the victim’s identification documents, such as scanned copies of passports.

Later victims make enquiries and then discover that their TV service provider did not call them and that the fraudster has made transactions using the victim’s bank account details.

Affecting people nationwide

This type of fraud is nationwide. Since the beginning of this year (2018), there have been 300 Action Fraud Reports relating to this fraud. From the reports received, victims aged over 66 seem to be the most targeted.

The fraudsters are using the following telephone numbers: “08447 111 444”, “02035 190 197” and “0800 151 4141”. The fraudster’s voices are reported to sound feminine and have an Asian accent. 

How to protect yourself

• Don’t assume a phone call or email is authentic:  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 well-known companies in order to make their scams appear genuine.
• Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision: a genuine company won’t force you to make a financial decisions on the spot. Always be wary if you’re pressured to purchase a product or service quickly, and don’t hesitate to question uninvited approaches in case it’s a scam.
• Stay in control: Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information. Always contact the company yourself using a known email or phone number, such as the one written on a bank statement or bill.

Every Report Matters. If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, report it to us online or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Visit Take Five and Cyber Aware for more information about how to protect yourself online.