Hundreds Targeted By Free TV License Scam
Leo Daniels • August 4, 2020
This is a subtitle for your new post
Researchers from the think tank Parliament Street have uncovered a text message scam offering a ‘Free TV License.’
Coinciding with the BBC’s controversial decision to axe the universal free TV license for over-75s, the fraud is designed to steal the personal financial data of victims.
According to the Parliament Street researchers,
hundreds of UK consumers have already been targeted by the scam which begins with a text message sent to the receiver’s phone that reads: “Due to COVID-19 we are able to provide one year free of charge TV License service upon application.” The message then prompts the user to visit a fraudulent website that uses official TV license branding.
From there, victims are asked to enter various pieces of personal information including name, date of birth, home address and banking details, which are then stolen.
“This SMS-based phishing attack, otherwise known as a smishing attack, is yet another case of opportunistic cyber-criminals looking to take advantage of unknowing victims during COVID-19,” said cyber-expert Andy Heather, VP, Centrify. “The BBC license fee has been the source of ongoing debate in recent times, and this smishing campaign holds a veneer of legitimacy, just enough to trick some unsuspecting victims into giving away their payment details.”
What’s more, he added, the psychology behind receiving an SMS message is a lot different when compared to receiving an email. “The former is generally considered to be a lot more personable, and thus a smishing attack may catch many individuals off-guard.”
Tim Sadler, CEO at Tessian, commented: “Throughout the pandemic, we’ve seen a spike in phishing attacks whereby hackers impersonate trusted organizations and government agencies, preying on people’s vulnerabilities during these stressful times. In this particular case, hackers are taking advantage of the fact that people are struggling financially in the wake of the pandemic, offering a free TV license, to steal valuable information.”
Sadler explained that awareness of such scams is the first step in defending against them. “Look out for any use of ungrammatical language in the text and if the offer seems too good to be true, then do not click on any links. Visit the official TV licensee website to verify if the offer is real.”
We’re 1-fix, we can help you secure your business
At 1-fix, we take a realistic approach to technology – ensuring our client’s systems are best protected.
If you have any concerns, questions or simply want to explore how to better secure your business, please do get in touch with the team for a FREE demonstration, consultation to explore how exposed your business might be and identify actions to take.
Join Our Mailing List
All sign-ups are handled inline with our privacy policy and can unsubscribe at any time.
Recent Blogs
In a world where AI is changing how we work and compete, security is more important than ever. We are gathering industry leaders and AI experts for a special roundtable event. This event will focus on a key topic: AI security.
Microsoft 365 Business Basic offers a range of cloud-based services designed to empower businesses to work smarter and more efficiently. Let's delve into what this package includes and how it can benefit your organisation.
We’re excited to announce an informative webinar featuring Elliot Wilkie from Brigantia and Craig Atkins from 1-Fix, diving deep into the world of DMARC on 8th July at 2 PM . This is an essential session for anyone looking to secure their email communications, understand DMARC compliance, and enhance their email deliverability.
Businesses are constantly seeking ways to enhance productivity, collaboration, and security, all whilst managing costs effectively. Microsoft Office 365 presents a comprehensive solution that caters to these needs. Here’s a breakdown of the seven key benefits of using Office 365 for your business.
In recent news from Microsoft, there’s significant information affecting charity organisations that rely on Microsoft 365 for their everyday operations. Microsoft has announced that it will be discontinuing the Microsoft 365 Business Premium grant, which currently provides 10 free licenses to nonprofits, with termination slated for March 8, 2026 . Therefore, charities currently benefitting from this grant must prepare for upcoming changes.
Staying efficient and connected has never been more important for businesses. With the increasing demand for remote work solutions and collaborative tools, migrating to Microsoft Office 365 is becoming an essential strategy. In this blog post, we’ll explore the many benefits of Office 365 migration, how 1-Fix can assist you in the process, and how swift and seamless this transition can be.
