The ruse typically begins with a login issue when you try opening your favourite streaming app, the BBB said in a May 2023 news release. Then, a message appears claiming there’s something wrong with your device or subscription, according to the BBB. — Unsplash
A Hulu user said they tried logging into the streaming app on their new smart TV, only to be duped out of US$3,000 (RM14,085), according to a US consumer watchdog group.
The user reported the scam to the Better Business Bureau in August 2023.
Now, the nonprofit is reminding smart TV users to be cautious of potential scams.
“A lot of (victims) do have a monetary loss, unfortunately,” BBB spokesperson Melanie McGovern told McClatchy News in a phone interview.
“There’s not a ton of (reports), but it’s something where you could lose more money than with other scams,” she said. “So we want to remind people to be very careful when they’re activating a smart TV, or something pops up that they’re not familiar with.”
How to spot a smart TV scam
The ruse typically begins with a login issue when you try opening your favourite streaming app, the BBB said in a May 2023 news release. Then, a message appears claiming there’s something wrong with your device or subscription, according to the BBB.
The pop-up may prompt you to call “customer service” for a quick fix, but experts say don’t fall for it.
“Scammers are using so many different tactics, and impersonation is always a really big one,” McGovern said. “In this case, they’re impersonating streaming services, the big TV companies and things like that to trick people into giving their information or their money.”
Fraudsters may insist you pay an activation fee or ask to access your smart TV remotely – both of which are red flags, according to the BBB. You could be leaving your financial information up for grabs, and allowing strangers to control your TV poses the risk for malware.
McGovern said scammers may insist on being paid through peer-to-peer payment apps like Cash App.
“Who doesn’t have a Hulu account?” she said. “Who doesn’t have a Netflix account? (Scammers) are relying on your familiarity with a brand.”
In one case, someone pretending to be with Hulu told a user their account was compromised and then scammed them of their money, according to a 2023 report on the BBB’s Scam Tracker.
“They had me send an error code through Zelle, but it wasn’t an error and the money went through,” the person wrote. “They claimed they were trying to get the money back to me through Venmo but they kept sucking more money out of me until I hung up.”
A twist on the scam sometimes involves the fraudsters asking to be paid in gift cards instead, the BBB said.
Another victim reported losing US$750 (RM3,521) after fraudsters convinced them that their Amazon Prime video account had been hacked, writing: “(The scammer) said I would need to drive to a store ... and follow his instructions once there.”
“Once I (got to) the store he told me to purchase two gift cards both for US$350 (RM1,643) each,” they continued. “He said the gift cards would be used in various ways to clear my account.”
How do I protect myself?
To avoid falling victim to smart TV scams, the bureau suggests doing your research before paying any activation fees.
“In many cases, you’re reloading apps that you already pay for or that are free,” McGovern said.
Also be wary of sketchy websites and double check a streaming service’s contact information before calling the number you were provided, the nonprofit said.
If you think you’ve been scammed, experts suggest reporting it to the BBB and that streaming service to let them know their phone number is being spoofed.
“Even if they didn’t lose money, we want people to report every detail they remember,” McGovern told McClatchy News. “Because if somebody else is searching for the same thing, it’ll pop up in a search that it’s a scam.” – The Charlotte Observer/Tribune News Service
