Scammers can target victims through any device connected to the internet, and your TV is no exception. BBB Scam Tracker has seen an influx of reports about scammers catching people off guard with pop-ups on their smart TVs. Their objective is to steal your personal information and money.
How the scam works: You open a familiar streaming service on your smart TV. However, you can't log in. Instead, a pop-up appears, telling you there is a problem with your device or your streaming subscription. You need to call a phone number or visit a website to fix it.
Don't fall for it! If you call the number, scammers pretend to be customer service representatives. They will insist you pay an activation fee or allow them remote access to your smart TV. These con artists will get your credit or debit card number if you pay the fee. If you give them access to your device or click on a link they provide, the scammers may install malware on your TV and use it to gain access to sensitive personal information.
Sometimes scammers ask you to "fix" the issue by paying them in gift cards. 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 they were dealing with scammers.
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.
For more information or to get more advice about tech support scams, visit BBB.org. If you spot a smart TV scam, report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help boost consumer awareness.
Next Shred Days on April 15 and Oct. 7
A great, proactive approach to securing your identity is to safely destroy and dispose of unneeded documents and hard drives that contain your personally identifiable information. BBB is here to help with our spring "Shred Day." BBB will hold this free, bi-annual event in partnership with the Times Free Press, River City Shredding, Resource 1 Tier 3 Data Security, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, and the Hamilton County Coalition on Saturday, April 15th from 9:00am to noon. (Shredding will end earlier if trucks fill up).
The event will be held in Coca-Cola Bottling Company's parking lot at 2111 W. Shepherd Rd. in Chattanooga, which is located just off exit 1A (Airport exit) from Hwy 153.
This is also a wonderful opportunity for residents to have electronics recycled and outdated or unneeded prescription drugs dropped off for safe disposal.
Please limit documents to three large trash bags of documents per person. For more information, please visit bbb.org/Chattanooga or call BBB at 423-266-6144.
If you're unable to make BBB's Spring event, you can start planning for the fall. BBB will also host another Shred Day on Saturday, October 7th from 9 am to noon, which will also be held in Coca-Cola Bottling Company's parking lot at 2111 W. Shepherd Rd.
Michele Mason is president of the Better Business Bureau in Chattanooga.