Fake cable service scams involve fraudsters pretending to offer cable TV subscriptions at extremely low prices. Victims pay for premium channels or bundles but never receive the promised service. These scammers operate through fake websites, phone calls, or door-to-door salespeople.
How This Can Happen to Us
1. Cold Calls & Fake Discounts
◦ Scammers call pretending to be from Comcast, Spectrum, or DirecTV, offering a special limited-time deal.
◦ They ask for advance payment via gift cards or wire transfers, claiming it’s a one-time activation fee.
2. Door-to-Door Sales Fraud
◦ Fake agents visit neighborhoods, claiming they have a special promotion for new customers.
◦ They collect cash or credit card details, but the service never gets activated.
3. Hacked Set-Top Boxes
◦ Some fraudsters sell illegally modified set-top boxes, promising free cable forever.
◦ These devices often don’t work or can get users into legal trouble.

Example of a Fake Cable Provider Scam
A family in California paid $200 upfront for a new cable package from a door-to-door salesperson. When they called the real provider, they were told no such offer existed. The scammer was never seen again.

How to Protect Yourself from This Scam
• Never pay for cable services through gift cards or wire transfers—real companies don’t ask for these.
• Check with the official provider before making payments.
• Avoid set-top boxes that promise illegal access to paid channels.