Staffordshire residents lose £20,000 over seven months of TV licensing scams

Fraudsters are sending members of the public fake TV licensing emails, and since April 2018, 926 crime reports have been made to Action Fraud nationally, with a total loss of more than £830,000.

Across the county, residents have been tricked a total of 44 times in recent months, with individual losses ranging between £1,325 and £8,000.

Detectives from Staffordshire Police are now urging residents to remain vigilant following a national increase in TV licensing scams.

Action Fraud has identified that victims receive a TV licensing phishing email with links to a convincing-looking website that steals personal and financial details.

Within a week or two, victims will receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from the fraud department of the victim’s bank. The offenders are then able to convince victims they are genuine banking staff by providing some of the personal details that were received using the fake TV licensing emails and websites.

Detective Inspector Robert Harvmann, senior investigating officer in fraud and cyber crime, said: “Fraudsters, will try to panic people into action. Always stop and think before sharing any personal data and don't engage with ‘cold callers’.

“Anyone who thinks they may have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime should contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

“Anyone in Staffordshire that feels vulnerable or is able to identify the person they believe is responsible can contact us on 101.”