People are being warned about a TV licence scam with fraudsters trying to steal people's personal and financial details.
Almost everyone in the UK has a TV licence, so it's a bill that is often targeted by scammers, as millions of people pay it.
TV licensing do contact people from time to time, but an increasing number of people are being contacted by fraudsters instead of someone genuine.
TV licensing issued a warning to people via their official account on Twitter - reports the Daily Record.
The tweet said: "If you’re ever unsure about a communication you’ve received from TV Licensing, it’s always best to ask someone – perhaps a friend, family member, or for more help, please visit http://tvl.co.uk/scam.
"STOP CHECK ASK."
People were told to check guidance on the TV Licensing website about how to help avoid these types of scams and how they can report scams.
The guide said: "We want to help you keep your data safe."
Addressing email scams in particular, the guide warns people of some of the main things to look out for.
TV Licensing said: "We include the name and/or part of your postcode in our emails.
"Many scams simply use your email address or say ‘Dear Customer’."
Another word of warning is that legitimate emails are sent from either donotreply@tvlicensing.co.uk or donotreply@spp.tvlicensing.co.uk.
TV Licensing payment card customers who make mobile payments via the TVL Pay app may receive emails from noreply@paypoint.com.
The sender's name will show as TVL Pay, the website confirms.
Email recipients are urged to check the email address by selecting the sender's name, or email address, to show the actual email address.
This is because scammers can often hide the true email address they're using.
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A clear warning sign that a scam may be in play is that the recipient is told they need to make an urgent payment.
TV Licensing added: "We only email customers about payments if they have missed one. You can sign in to your account to check."
Scam emails also often say the person can get a refund or a cheaper licence.
TV licensing said: "We will never do this unless you have contacted us about a refund and we are replying to you."
The fraudulent email could also show a fake licence number.
"Your licence number is on letters we send you, or search your email inbox for emails from ‘donotreply@tvlicensing.co.uk’ (or 'donotreply@spp.tvlicensing.co.uk’)."
