TV Provider Scam
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The latest in phone scams involves callers posing as your TV service provider offering a great discount deal if you pay upfront for the next three months' subscription. Often, the call starts with an offer of a gift or gift card in return for agreeing to make quarterly payments in advance. They also offer a discount of up to 50% if the customer agrees to pay immediately by a credit card over the phone.
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What You Should Know
In most cases, the caller will appear legitimate as they will make mention of your personal information, such as address, phone number and current level of cable service. The scam begins with references to a "loyalty rewards" program and offer that for a mere $80 (or some amount) per month, you can get all the premium cable channels, along with phone and broadband internet service. (This package would typically run subscribers well over $100/month.)
The catch, of course, is that you'll be asked to pay for 6 months upfront. AND, you may not use a credit card! If you want the deal, you must use a prepaid debit card. But beware! Using a prepaid card is no different than handing over cash – and just as untraceable.
How YouMail can help stop TV provider scams today
YouMail is the leading solution for getting rid of robocalls and we are proud that our customers are protected from scammers, spammers, and other unwanted callers. Best of all, it's a 100% free service available for everyone!
Here are a couple of REAL voicemails
left with YouMail customers.
Hi. We are from the your television provider for this area. We have the lowest per channel cost in the industry with more than 140 channels including local channels for only $39.99 per month two years fixed price. You also get free installation free DVR equipment and free HD equipment. Act now you receive 33 premium commercial free movie channels free for three months. To hear more about this special offer press one now or press two to be taken out of this special list.
Hello there. Are you tired of large Internet bills. Don't worry we have a solution. We offer up to four TVs free HD DVR with 140 channels including local and Internet at the lowest price in your area. Please press one to speak with our deal specialist for free installation or press two if you don't want to hear from us again.
What you should do
Remember, real utility companies will not ask for pre-paid debit cards! If you feel pressured to provide immediate payment or personal information, hang up the phone and call the customer service number on your cable/utility bill. This will ensure that you are speaking to a real representative. Don't provide any personal or financial information. And remember that numbers can be spoofed (caller ID will be fake).
Our best advice
Let calls from unknown callers go to voicemail! If they leave a message that's similar to what's described here, don't return the call! We recommend that you report them and other Do Not Call violations to ftc.gov/complaint or 1-888-382-1222. Definitely check out YouMail's online phone directory to validate if the caller's number has negative reports or is from a known scammer.