Police have issued a warning over a fake TV discount scam which could be swindling people out of hundreds of pounds.

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau announced an increase in reports where fraudsters are offering a discount on television service provider subscriptions.

Fraudsters are cold-calling victims, claiming to be from a television provider and offering a discount on their monthly subscriptions.

Victims have been told the subscription needs to be renewed; that part or all of the TV equipment has expired and they are due an upgrade on the equipment.

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.

Watch out for this scam
Watch out for this scam

The fraudsters are using telephone numbers: 08447111444, 02035190197 and 08001514141. The fraudsters' voices are reported to sound feminine and have an Asian accent.

Later, victims make inquiries 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.

Since the beginning of this year there have been 300 Action Fraud reports relating to this scam. From the reports received, victims aged over 66 seem to be the most targeted.

So far no such incidents have been reported in Staffordshire, but people have been urged to be on their guard. Anyone who receives or has received such a call, is urged to call 101 and report it.

Staffordshire Police have issued the following advice:

  • 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 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.

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