We received a message from a Caerlaverockan this morning who was concerned after getting an email which told him that he had to renew his TV license by midnight on Feb 14th.

“This was at a cost of £96.50.  This appears to be a scam.“

He is absolutely correct – the payment for over 75s will be £174.50 [for the year] and is not due to change until 31st May.

Indeed the TV Licence page for over 75s confirms that,

Over the course of the next month TV Licensing will be writing directly to everyone who currently has a free over 75 licence to let them know about the new scheme and make clear that they will remain fully covered by their free licence until 31 May 2020.
TV Licensing will get in touch with affected customers well ahead of the change next summer to explain what to do next, letting people know how those still eligible for a free licence can apply and what payment options will be available for those who will need to buy a licence in the future.

It is understandably concerning and confusing, but if you are informed, and know your facts, you are a step ahead of the scammers.

TV Licensing also state that,

We will always:

  • use donotreply@tvlicensing.co.uk (or donotreply@spp.tvlicensing.co.uk) to email you.
    and
  • include your name in our emails (unless you told us you don’t need a licence and didn’t provide a name).

And explain that,

“Fraudulent emails try to catch you off your guard by panicking you into taking action immediately. Fake websites will ask you to do things we never would.

The link below will take you to the TV licence page for over 75s, so you can read up on what to expect in the coming months, and therefore know what isn’t right too.

TV Licensing info for over 75s

and this link will take you to the TV Licensing scam and security advice page:

TV Licence Scam and Security advice page

Many thanks for getting in touch – and allowing us to spread the word to those who may be vulnerable to these scams.

Please share this information with others to keep them safe from a scam.