Phony Roku set up websites are a scam
As more and more consumers are getting away from traditional cable TV service and moving to devices like a Roku that streams media content for various online services, it is important to know that you are not charged to activate your Roku account.
If you purchase a Roku device for your TV you cannot complete your setup on the TV, instead you must use a computer, tablet or smartphone to active the service. Scammers know this too and are targeting Roku customers by setting up phony websites offering to help customers set up their new account.
The problem is these websites charge you for this service but if you go to the official Roku website there is no charge to activate the service. If you encounter a Roku activation website or someone trying to charge you any money to activate your account, it is a scam. In some instances a message has flashed on customers’ screens giving them a number to call to activate the unit. This scam has become so prevalent that Roku now includes a warning in the setup manual letting customers know there is no charge for its customer service.
There is only one official website to activate your Roku service and it is www.roku.com/link. Make sure you type in the link specifically into your browser and be careful not to misspell or add extra characters because this could lead you to an incorrect or fraudulent website. You will be asked to enter the link code displayed on your TV in order to proceed with activation.
It is important to note that the Roku website may ask you to include credit card information if you want to rent movies or purchase premium content.
• • •
A local reader emailed me to report that he had a favorable experience with Cell Phone Repair (CPR) in Coeur d’Alene. Our reader’s iPhone battery was nearing the end of its short life so he stopped in at CPR for help. He is pleased to report that within an hour he had his phone back with an enhanced battery and at a reasonable price. As our cellphones have become indispensable, it is nice to know there is a company that was able to turn a request like this around quickly.
Having an option like CPR is important for iPhone users in particular as Apple has reclosed stores in states where the COVID-19 cases have been rising. So if your iPhone, or any other type of cellphone for that matter, needs attention it might be worth checking out this local option here in Coeur d’Alene. CPR’s phone number is 208-667-0667.
• • •
I’ve received several emails and calls from readers stating they have been notified that they have won either the Reader’s Digest Sweepstakes or the Publisher’s Clearing House Sweepstakes. While these are legitimate contests, the unfortunate reality is that often such notifications are scams.
Here’s a few warning signs to spot a scam. The biggest telltale sign of a scam is if your notice is addressed to “Dear Winner” and you are asked to pay money to receive a prize. Legitimate sweepstakes will never ask you to pay fees to participate. You should never have to pay sweepstakes taxes, handling charges, service fees, customs fees, or any other kind of charges up front to receive anything you have won. Also, never hand over your credit card number to get a prize.
Sweepstakes taxes are paid directly to the IRS along with your regular tax return, except in rare exceptions like paying for port fees or hotel taxes on some travel packages. If you are asked to pay taxes directly, it is almost certainly a scam.
Since many notices now come via email, pay attention to the email address that sent the notification. Legitimate sweepstakes from big companies do not use free email accounts like Gmail or Yahoo Mail. Also pay close attention to the email address since scammers often only change one letter hoping most people won’t notice.
Finally, keep in mind that you must enter a sweepstakes in order to win. If you enter contests routinely, you’ll need to start tracking your entries because if you haven’t entered, you won’t win.
The consequences of falling for sweepstakes scams can be severe. Cashing a fraudulent check is a crime. If you deposit the check, you could be liable for fees/fines and according to bank representatives I’ve spoken with your bank account can be closed and any money you send to scammers will likely be unrecoverable.
• • •
Remember: I’m on your side.
• • •
If you have encountered a consumer issue that you have questions about or think our readers should know about, please send me an email at terridickersonadvocate@gmail.com or call me at 208-274-4458. As The CDA Press Consumer Gal, I’m here to help. I’m a copywriter working with businesses on marketing strategy, a columnist, a veterans advocate and a consumer advocate living in Coeur d’Alene.