New Roku Scam Targets TV & Roku Device Owners

Roku has become the top streaming platform in North America, which makes it a prime target for scammers. There is a new Roku scam that involves cold calls claiming your subscription is about to expire.

How the Roku Scam Works

Scammers contact victims through robocalls or live operators pretending to be Roku representatives. They claim your account needs renewal to maintain access to channels and features. The caller creates urgency by citing a specific expiration date.

Victims are told to call a toll-free number where agents request payment information. These criminals ask for credit card details, bank account numbers, or gift card payments to “secure” the subscription.

The truth is that Roku does not charge subscription fees for owning or using its devices. Activation and basic functionality are completely free. You only pay for third-party apps like Netflix.

Previous Scam Attempts

This isn’t the first time criminals have targeted Roku users. Earlier schemes involved fake support websites that deceived new buyers into paying bogus setup fees. Those attacks focused on excitement during device unboxing.

The current scam expands to existing owners by exploiting familiarity with streaming services. Reports show scammers spoof caller IDs to display “Roku Support,” adding false legitimacy.

And outside of these scams, The Roku company has had its own issues with a recent lawsuit claiming they sold children’s data to advertisers without consent.

Protecting Yourself from These Scams

If you are a Roku user, here are some steps to avoid becoming a victim of scams:

• Verify All Communication – Contact Roku directly through roku.com if you receive suspicious calls. Never use phone numbers provided by callers.
• Hang Up Immediately – End suspicious calls and block the number. Legitimate companies don’t demand instant payment over the phone.
• Enable Call Blocking – Use smartphone features or services like Nomorobo for landlines.
• Report Incidents – File complaints with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov to help track these schemes.
• Check Email Domains – Legitimate Roku emails end in @roku.com, not variations.

Final Thoughts

Roku’s popularity makes it an attractive target for scammers who prey on unsuspecting users. Users should alert and verify any unexpected contacts through official channels to protect yourself from fraud.

We recommend avoiding Roku devices altogether and switching to Google TV or Android TV devices instead. These platforms offer more flexibility, better app support, and fewer restrictions. See our Roku vs Google TV comparison for more information.

For more details on this story, refer to the report from Cord Cutter News and Roku’s Community Support website for updated information.

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