The South African Broadcasting Corporation has warned TV licence holders about a new phishing scam being sent by email.
According to MyBroadband, the message is made to look like official SABC correspondence and warns recipients about alleged unpaid TV licence fees, penalties and possible legal action.
The SABC has confirmed that the email is fraudulent.
Fake email uses threatening language
The message reportedly uses the subject line “TV Licence Statement Attached to Avoid Penalties & Litigation on Your Identity”.
It claims to come from the SABC TV Licence Board and uses the address tim.harris@absamail.co.za.
According to MyBroadband, the SABC said the address does not belong to the broadcaster or any authorised collection partner.
The email also falsely appears to come from Maphala Makgoba, Acting Head: TV Licences.
Recipients are encouraged to open an attachment or click a link and provide personal information, which the SABC warned could expose them to phishing attacks or malicious software.
SABC lists official email addresses
The broadcaster said legitimate TV licence renewal messages are sent from renewals@sabc.co.za, businesstvlic@sabc.co.za and dealers@sabc.co.za.
The SABC urged people not to open suspicious attachments, click unknown links or provide personal, banking or identification information.
Anyone who receives the fraudulent email should delete it and report it through official SABC channels.
TV licence holders can verify their account status by calling 011 330 9555 or emailing tvlicinfo@sabc.co.za.
No TV licence inspectors currently operating
According to MyBroadband, the SABC currently has no TV licence inspectors because of its financial challenges.
The broadcaster has warned South Africans to contact police if someone arrives at their home claiming to be an inspector, as criminals have previously used this method to gain access to properties.
The SABC is also pushing for a new funding model to replace the current TV licence system.
MyBroadband reported that the broadcaster has struggled with a TV licence non-payment rate above 80% for several years.