Essex Police Warn Over ‘TV Licensing’ Scam Targeting Residents

Essex Police issue warning as ‘TV Licensing’ scam circulates

Residents across Essex are being urged to stay vigilant after Essex Police issued a warning about a scam involving fake “TV Licensing” messages.

The alert comes as fraudsters continue to target households with emails and text messages claiming recipients must urgently update their TV licence details or risk fines. Victims are typically directed to convincing-looking websites designed to steal personal and financial information.

The scam often impersonates TV Licensing, using official branding and language to create a sense of urgency. Messages may claim a payment has failed or that a refund is due, prompting users to click a link and enter sensitive details.

Police say these messages are not genuine and have urged the public to avoid clicking on any suspicious links.

A spokesperson for Essex Police said scams like these are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it harder for people to distinguish between real and fake communications.

Residents are advised to:

• Avoid clicking links in unexpected emails or texts
• Check the sender’s address carefully
• Go directly to official websites rather than using links provided
• Never share personal or banking details in response to unsolicited messages

Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or has lost money is encouraged to report it to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation and are urging people to warn friends and family, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to scams.