SABC Clarifies No Arrest Threats for Unpaid TV Licenses Amid Scam Warnings

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), in its ongoing efforts to educate and protect the public, has recently issued a stern warning about a deceptive email scam targeting TV license fee defaulters. Contrary to the menacing threats contained within fraudulent emails sent by imposters, the SABC clearly states it will never intimidate citizens with arrest warrants for failing to settle TV license debts.

Malicious emails from fictitious addresses like [email protected] attempt to instill fear by falsely asserting the power to enforce arrest warrants. However, the SABC wants the public to disregard such emails unequivocally. As a precaution, the broadcaster also urges against downloading any attachments from these counterfeit correspondences, as they could potentially harm recipients' devices or compromise personal information.

The SABC's struggle with the collection of TV license fees has been a prolonged and challenging ordeal, significantly impacting its financial health. Revenue from TV licenses has seen a stark decline over the years, plummeting to R741 million in the 2022/23 financial year from a once more robust R928 million during 2013/14, despite a billing total of R4.5 billion.

This isn't the first time deceptive practices have been used in attempts to extract payments. In August 2022, debt collection agencies hired by the SABC sent SMS messages with ambiguous and threatening language, insinuating potential High Court action for overdue fees. Civil society organization, Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa), clarified that such methods are misleading and the High Court does not seek payment through SMS.

Misrepresentation of consequences for non-payment isn't uncommon: SMS messages can contain inflated amounts or imply severe legal repercussions inaccurately. Outa reiterated that notifications of court orders should be conveyed in person, typically by a court Sheriff.

For enforcement, the SABC relies on both criminal and civil avenues – the latter involving traditional debt recovery tactics, while the former, less commonly employed, might involve prosecution under the Broadcasting Act. That said, Outa noted that it knew of no instances where South Africans faced criminal conviction solely for the non-payment of TV license fees.

The fear of adverse credit repercussions has also been stoked by debt collectors' messages warning of a credit bureau "Trace Alert" for unpaid fees. However, as Outa’s executive director Stefanie Fick clarifies, a Trace Alert does not generally affect credit scores. Legal credit impairment would only follow from an official court judgment against a debtor – a step the SABC has not habitually pursued to date.

In disposing of such myths, the SABC hopes to encourage honest communication and proper channels for the settlement of overdue TV license fees, maintaining integrity and fairness in its recovery operations.