--- title: "TV Licensing scam emails: how to spot a fake | TapSafely" url: https://tapsafely.com/scams/tv-licensing-scam-emails source: TapSafely description: "Is that TV Licensing message real? The warning signs, TV Licensing's real websites, how to check safely and where to report a fake." --- [Home](https://tapsafely.com/)/[Scam guides](https://tapsafely.com/scams/)/[Brand scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/brands)/ TV Licensing # TV Licensing scam emails: how to spot a fake Scammers copy TV Licensing because millions of people use it. Here's how to tell a fake TV Licensing message from a real one, and what to do if you already clicked. By the TapSafely editorial team · Updated 16 September 2026 ## In short TV Licensing says it will never text you about a refund or ask for bank details by text, and it will not ask you to enter personal details on its website until you have signed in to your licence. Its genuine emails greet you only by name and/or part of your postcode, and come from addresses such as donotreply@tvlicensing.co.uk. **Most common fake:** Your TV Licence payment failed, update your billing information. **Safest check:** Check whether the email uses your name or part of your postcode, not a generic greeting. Example · fake TV Licensing message · Illustrative, links disabled TV Licensing: We were unable to process your latest Direct Debit payment. Your licence will be cancelled within 48 hours. Update your details now: tvlicence-renewal[.]co/update An example fake TV Licensing message with the warning signs highlighted. ## What TV Licensing says TV Licensing says it will never text you about a refund or ask for bank details by text, and it will not ask you to enter personal details on its website until you have signed in to your licence. Its genuine emails greet you only by name and/or part of your postcode, and come from addresses such as donotreply@tvlicensing.co.uk. Source: [TV Licensing](https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/faqs/FAQ288) ## Common fake TV Licensing messages - Your TV Licence payment failed, update your billing information - You are owed a refund, click to claim it - Your licence has expired, renew now to avoid prosecution - Action required: correct your licensing information - Security alert asking you to confirm your account and bank details ## TV Licensing's real web addresses Genuine TV Licensing links and emails use these domains. Look at the part just before the first single slash: **tvlicensing.co.uk** is real, but **tvlicensing-support-center.com** or **tvlicensing.co.uk.account-check.top** are not. - **tvlicensing.co.uk** Scammers can also hide a fake link behind real-looking text. [Learn how to read a web address](https://tapsafely.com/scams/phishing-links). ## How to check a TV Licensing message safely 1. Check whether the email uses your name or part of your postcode, not a generic greeting 2. Look closely at the sender address and hover over links before clicking 3. Go to tvlicensing.co.uk yourself and sign in to check your licence 4. Call TV Licensing on a number listed on tvlicensing.co.uk if you are unsure ## How to report a fake TV Licensing message - Forward scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. [Official details on tvlicensing.co.uk](https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/faqs/FAQ288) - Screenshot scam texts and email them to TV Licensing at textscams@tvlicensing.co.uk. [Official details on tvlicensing.co.uk](https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/faqs/FAQ288) - If you lost money or shared bank details, contact your bank and report it to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040. [Official details on reportfraud.police.uk](https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/) Also report it to the official fraud service in your country. [See the worldwide list](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed#where-to-report). ## If you clicked, paid or shared details ### Act quickly. It makes a difference. 1. If you entered card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card, and ask them to block the card. 2. If you entered a password, change it on the real TV Licensing website or app and turn on two-step verification. 3. Expect follow-up calls or messages pretending to help. Never share one-time codes or move money to a "safe account". 4. Report the scam, then delete the message. More help: [Phishing links and fake login pages](https://tapsafely.com/scams/phishing-links) and [what to do after a scam](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed). ## Questions people ask Does TV Licensing send messages asking for payment or personal details? TV Licensing says it will never text you about a refund or ask for bank details by text, and it will not ask you to enter personal details on its website until you have signed in to your licence. Its genuine emails greet you only by name and/or part of your postcode, and come from addresses such as donotreply@tvlicensing.co.uk. How can I check if a TV Licensing message is real? Check whether the email uses your name or part of your postcode, not a generic greeting. Look closely at the sender address and hover over links before clicking. Go to tvlicensing.co.uk yourself and sign in to check your licence. Call TV Licensing on a number listed on tvlicensing.co.uk if you are unsure. How do I report a fake TV Licensing message? Forward scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Screenshot scam texts and email them to TV Licensing at textscams@tvlicensing.co.uk. If you lost money or shared bank details, contact your bank and report it to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040. I clicked a link in a fake TV Licensing message. What should I do? Don't enter anything else. If you typed card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card. If you entered a password, change it on the real website and turn on two-step verification. Then report the message and delete it. ## Official sources and further reading We check our pages against official advice from the organisations themselves and from government agencies. - [Helping you avoid TV Licensing scams, and how to report one](https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/faqs/FAQ288) (TV Licensing) - [Action Fraud warns against fake TV licensing emails, as over 2,500 reports are made in two months alone](https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/alert/action-fraud-warns-against-fake-tv-licensing-emails-as-over-2500-reports-are-made-in-two-months-alone) (Action Fraud) ### Got a message like this? Paste the message or link Check it free ### Still unsure? 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