Dish Network subscribers should be wary of scam calls about receiver updates. This type of phishy telemarketing is similar to the Xfinity Discount scam. Here’s what you need to know:
How The Scam Works
A scammer calls and identifies himself as a Dish Network (or AT&T) representative. They’ll claim that the Dish receivers in the house urgently need a software update. “We can send a technician to your home to do this upgrade for $300, or I can walk you through it over the phone for only $199.”
At this point, the victim may object, and the scammer is ready: “But sir, it is just a one-time payment of $199.99. Without this, your TV will soon stop working!” When the victim argues further, the crook may offer to offset their fee by promising $25 discounts for several months on future Dish bills. If the victim still does not cooperate with payment, the scammer may become rude, and claim that he will just shut down the entire satellite service.
It should go without saying: If the crook gets any kind of payment over the phone, they will disappear with the money, and the victim gets… nothing. The “upgrade” was a dog-and-pony show and nothing more.
Why This Scam Is Convincing
This scam has a lot going for it, and has the potential to dupe a lot of people.
- The scammer on the phone already knows your name, address and your phone number. This info was likely leaked from one of the many data breaches we see in this country.
- Your CallerID may be spoofed to show “Dish Networks”.
- They will instruct the victim to press buttons and navigate menus on the Dish receiver/TV with a convincing level of accuracy.
- If the scammer learns your Dish account PIN, s/he may make changes to your account or add discounts to your billing, to convince the victim they are a capable Dish rep.
Do’s & Don’ts
- If you find yourself on this kind of call, hang up ASAP. The less you say to the scammer, the better.
- Never antagonize or berate the caller. Remember: They have your address. These crooks can get hostile and the worst-case scenario could result in you getting swatted.
- Don’t volunteer any extra info, especially your Dish account number or PIN. True Dish representatives never ask for this info over the phone.
- To verify any Dish Networks communications, or to report a fraudulent call, call their main number at 1-800-333-DISH or chat them up on their website.
Update!
This scam targets not only Dish customers, but also subscribers of Xfinity, DirecTV and other big TV companies.
I recieved exactly this scam today. The article above is an exact match for their script. Never, never give them a credit card number.
I received this scam call. They sent a new receiver. Then, presented an invoice for 250.00. I did not pay this bill and I called Dish to report this scam. I did not send back my receiver as they requested it be returned. The area code 415 is a San Francisco area code they called me from. They wanted the receiver sent to Texas. Dish never asks for payment by check!!!!!! They wanted the check made out to DT. Watch out for these scammers!!!!
Thank you for this heads-up! I worry that Dish scams are on the increase, especially since DishTV recently announced a bankruptcy. I may blog again about Dish, if this proves to be a growing problem.