FRAUDSTERS are targeting people by sending emails telling people they can claim a TV Licence renewal.

The emails are branded with the TV Licensing logo and try to get potential victims to click a link.

The police and Action Fraud have said they have seen a sharp increase in the reports of fake TV Licensing emails claiming to offer refunds which cannot be processed due to invalid account details.

Links in the emails lead to phishing websites designed to steal personal and financial details.

The advice to the public is to question unsolicited requests for personal and financial information in case it is a scam.

Be wary of unexpected emails or texts and do not click links in them.

If an unexpected email is received search for the company online or use a paper bill and find a phone number. Do not use links or numbers in the email.

The staff should be able to confirm if an email is fake or genuine.

If an email is suspected to be a phishing scam phone Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 to report it.