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Original poster

Slightly intimidating email from TV licencing...

49 replies

SneakyGremlins · 13/02/2019 17:13

"
Dear X

We emailed you recently because you need a TV Licence to watch BBC programmes on iPlayer, or to watch or record live TV on any channel, no matter what device you use.

You've previously told us that you don't need a TV Licence at X, with postcode ending XXX.

We need you to get in touch now, as our records show you've used BBC iPlayer on a number of occasions over recent months.

To avoid a visit from our enforcement teams – and the risk of a fine of up to £1000 – buy a TV Licence today. "

I haven't used iPlayer Confused

I use Netflix and prime. And YouTube. That's it! I LOOK on iPlayer sometimes to see if shows I like have started again, but I legitimately don't watch them on iPlayer

Can I just ignore this? Really don't want people showing up at the door..

OP posts:
ADayAlwaysHasToEnd · 13/02/2019 17:17

I think even being on the iplayer website may trigger it to think you are using the service

EatToTheBeet · 13/02/2019 17:18

I don't. I think they are just trying to scare you so you buy a licence.

Original poster
SneakyGremlins · 13/02/2019 17:18

I was hoping that was the case! I genuinely haven't watched anything on there for ages.

OP posts:

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General education
Original poster
SneakyGremlins · 13/02/2019 17:19

There's no way I can afford a licence.

OP posts:
LadyKalila · 13/02/2019 17:19

You have admitted you look on iPlayer to see what's on. So you have used it.

HappyMama01 · 13/02/2019 17:20

Apparently there have been a few scam emails from tv licensing company going out. I wouldn't worry too much my lovely!
Just think: have you ever given them your email address?

AngelaStorm73 · 13/02/2019 17:21

They would write to you if it was genuine.
Yes, there have been many email tv license scams.

Original poster
SneakyGremlins · 13/02/2019 17:22

I'm not saying I haven't been on the website, I'm saying I haven't WATCHED anything on the site. Surely you don't need a licence to look on the website? Confused

I do have an iPlayer account so that's how they have my email.

OP posts:
HollowTalk · 13/02/2019 17:22

So you don't watch any BBC channels at all?

Why are you looking to see if they've started, if you're not going to watch them?

You can pay quarterly now, so the payments are spread out.

HollowTalk · 13/02/2019 17:23

Yes but the scams wouldn't come from the actual licensing company! What's their email address?

Original poster
SneakyGremlins · 13/02/2019 17:23

It says it's from "[email protected]"

Is that fake? Blush

OP posts:
blueyellowgreen · 13/02/2019 17:24

It's a scam for sure. I also received an email and they do not have my email address (and I live in another country....)

GemmeFatale · 13/02/2019 17:25

Just ignore it. It’s a scare tactic because loads of us have realised we don’t need a licence when we can use prime/Netflix/whatever without missing live tv or iplayer.

Original poster
SneakyGremlins · 13/02/2019 17:25

@HollowTalk I don't even have a TV, just a computer. I look for shows my friend and I both like and then we watch them at hers - where her mum pays for a TV licence. I assume watching TV at a friend's house is allowed? Grin And there are other less official apps for watching shows.

OP posts:
Washingproblem · 13/02/2019 17:27

Are you still logged in to the iPlayer account? Maybe log out?

Fleetwoodsnack · 13/02/2019 17:27
Confused
Nodrama999 · 13/02/2019 17:30

In the email, click on the email address. And it will show the real email address not just TV Licencing. I’ve had loads lately from them

Original poster
SneakyGremlins · 13/02/2019 17:30

Yeah, I've logged out now. I'll ignore it I think as I genuinely don't use or need a licence.

OP posts:
ScreamingValenta · 13/02/2019 17:30

When you are at your friend's house, are you using your i-player account there?

Whatever you do, don't click on any links in the email as it may be a scam. If you want to query it, I would phone them (check Google for the legitimate number).

Janecon · 13/02/2019 17:31

If you're looking at Iplayer then you need a licence.

Original poster
SneakyGremlins · 13/02/2019 17:34

No, we just watch the shows on TV there as they air (live) but her mum has a licence so I assume that's alright?

Well, mental note to not look at iPlayer anymore!

I will probably call them, thanks.

OP posts:
blueyellowgreen · 13/02/2019 17:35

Ignore me - mine was definitely a scam. But yours sounds like it could be legit. Why don't you call them? They'll know if you've actually watched any content - I wouldn't imagine they can impose a fine for visiting unless you agree that you have a license to enter the site?

CheshireChat · 13/02/2019 17:35

I wonder if they're getting desperate, they keep sending me letters reminding me I've opted out and asking me if I'm still sure...

LadyKalila · 13/02/2019 17:57

Same email address we received, it was not Spam. Ignore it if you like but you were on the iPlayer and they know it because you were logged in!

Allsloppy · 13/02/2019 18:04

We received the same letter at work recently and we do not have TVs or watch anything on line. We rang to advise them we did not need a licence as we are a business and have not since they last asked. They said it was standard procedure to issue a letter every few years. The only reason they thought we would need a licence is because some one bought a TV and used the company address, so we are now on their potential list.