BBB Warns of Smart TV Scams

Scammers can target victims though any device connected to the Internet, and your television is no exception. The Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker has seen an influx of reports about scammers catching people off-guard with pop-ups on their smart tv’s. According to the BBB, the objective of the scammers is to obtain personal information by infiltrating a streaming service on a smart TV and not allowing the user to log in. Instead, a pop-up appears, telling the individual there is a problem with their device and their streaming subscription and they need to call a particular phone number or visit a website to fix it.

If the number is called, the scammers pretend to be customer service representatives who insist an activation fee be paid to allow them remote access to the smart TV to fix the issue. If they obtain access to your device, the scammers install malware on your smart TV and use it to gain access to any sensitive personal information that may be on your TV. Sometimes scammers ask you to “fix” the issue by paying them in gift cards. According to the BBB, one consumer reported that after calling a number that appeared in a pop-up on their smart TV, a scammer instructed them to purchase three $100 Xbox gift cards to add “anti-hacking protection” to their account. After buying the gift cards and contacting the number again, it became clear to the consumer that they were being scammed.

How to avoid smart TV scams

• Double-check any fees you have to pay. If scammers ask you to pay an activation fee, antivirus protection fee, or any other kind of fee, do some research beforehand. For example, scammers claim you need to pay an activation fee to start using your Roku. However, a quick online search reveals that Roku never charges activation or registration fees.
• Don’t fall for fake websites. Scammers love to create imitation websites using URLs that are just a letter or two off. Fake websites are a threat, even on smart TVs, so double-check the URL. Another way to protect yourself is to avoid clicking on links in pop-ups and, instead, type web URLs directly into your browser.
• Check before you call. If a “customer service” phone number appears in a pop-up, double-check it before you call. Contact a streaming service or TV manufacturer’s website to find their customer support number.
• Never let anyone control your device remotely. Scammers usually ask for remote computer access, but they could also ask for access to your smart TV. Don’t ever give control of your device to a stranger.

Get more advice about tech support scams.  Also, check out BBB Scam Alert: Need tech support? Be careful which number you call for additional tips. You can learn other ways to protect yourself in the article “10 Steps to Avoid Scams,” and sign up for scam alerts. Finally, if you spot a smart TV scam, report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help boost consumer awareness.