Media

SABC issues warning to anyone with a TV Licence in South Africa

Staff Writer

 ·24 Jun 2026

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has warned that a new phishing scam is circulating, targeting members of the public who have TV Licences.

The broadcaster said that it has been alerted that fraudulent emails are being sent out to TV Licence holders, purporting to be from a “TV Licence Resolution Centre”.

“These emails falsely reference refunds and request that recipients update their account details,” it said.

It noted that the emails are not sent from any official SABC or TV Licence domain and are not associated with the SABC whatsoever.

The group added that the SABC does not send unsolicited emails offering refunds or requesting that customers “update” their account or banking details via email.

“Any authentic communication regarding TV Licence accounts will only be issued through SABC’s  official and secure channels,” it said.

It added that the SABC will never ask any TV licence holder to click on a link in an email or SMS to confirm personal, banking, or payment information.

Entities such as a “TV Licence Resolution Centre” are not affiliated with, recognised by, or acting on behalf of the SABC.

Members of the public are advised to:

1. Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments in unsolicited emails claiming to be from TV Licence or SABC related entities.
2. Verify the sender’s email domain carefully – fraudulent emails often use addresses unrelated to official SABC channels.
3. Never disclose personal, banking, or account information in response to an unsolicited email or SMS.
4. Contact TV Licences directly through (011) 330 9555 or via email on [email protected] to verify any communication received.
5. Report suspicious emails and where financial information was disclosed, contact their bank immediately.

“The SABC takes the security of its customers’ information seriously and continues to monitor and respond to fraudulent activity of this nature,” it said.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant and to verify any communication purporting to be from TV Licences before responding or providing any information.”