North Wales Police warns public to be on guard against coronavirus TV licencing scam

North Wales Police are warning the public to be aware of a new TV licencing scam which is using the coronavirus to try to steal personal information.

Action Fraud has seen a large volume of phishing emails relating to TV licencing circulating lately.

Last week, they received over 70 reports of a new version of the scam, where minor changes have been made to the messaging, with some including a Covid-19 related hook to reel people in.

The emails now being reported claim that the recipient’s direct debit has failed and that they need to pay in order to avoid prosecution.

The emails display the subject header “We couldn’t process the latest payment from your Debit Card – COVID19 Personalized Offer: You are be eligible for a 1 x 6 months of free TVLicence”

They include a link to set up a new direct debit on a website controlled by criminals.

The end of the email also offers six free months of a TV license, and to click the link to apply the offer.

Police said: “The link goes to a sign in page with an online application form, providing the criminals with an opportunity to steal email logins, passwords, and personal details.

“If you receive an email like this one, or any other suspicious email, report it to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) immediately by forwarding it to report@phishing.gov.uk

“The NCSC’s automated programme will immediately test the validity of the site. Any sites found to be phishing scams will be removed immediately.

“This will help to protect yourself from fraud, as well as allowing us to warn others as well.

Advice and guidance on how to protect yourself, or your business, from fraud and cyber crime is available at www.gov.uk/coronavirus-fraud-and-cyber-crime.

There is bespoke advice about COVID-19 fraud on the Action Fraud website.