Sign in  

Pbs.org

Sharing is caring! Are you having problems with Pbs.org? Use ScamPulse to file a complaint.

Pbs.org Reports & Reviews (1)

- Madison, WI, USA

Scam attempt occurred after downloading, installing, and activating a PBS Video app on a Samsung Smart TV. That installation ends with instructions on the TV screen to use computer or smart phone go to www.pbs.org/activate and enter the code displayed on the TV screen. I did that on my PC, typing the address in the address bar. The web site seemed to be secure. The address box shows the padlock and address https://www.pbs.org/activate/. The computer screen instructions say to enter the code from the TV, then the current PBS TV program will start in about 30 secs.

My TV did NOT start. It was hung at the end-of-installation screen. After about 10 minutes a chat box popped up from "Dave" at PBS National Headquarters. I explained the current problem. He said he needed to call me, and I gave him my phone number. I didn't get to the phone in time, so he asked me to call him at 332-699-4804. He answered. He spoke with a foreign accent, from India, I think. He seemed to have information about me and about my past contributions to PBS. He said my PBS account was "too old", and I had to pay $300 to "upgrade" it. If I agreed to do this, he would email me an invoice and unlock my TV. He did, in fact, unlock the TV.

The "invoice" was from Rku Technologies. It included links to "Complete purchase" (didn't click this, just looked at address), "Visit our store" (https://rku-technologies.myshopify.com/password -- this is a work-in-progress -- just the company name and a message "Coming soon") and at the bottom, "If you have any questions, reply to this email or contact us at [email protected]". A business using a gmail address???

After seeing the company information on the "invoice", I told him repeatedly (1) I don't have a Roku device, and (2) PBS is a charity, and access to PBS PassPort only requires an annual contribution of $60. He demanded that I pay the invoice, since he had already unlocked my TV, and he threatened me with legal problems if I didn't pay. I finally just hung up. I did not give him any bank or credit card numbers. I did call my local PBS office to tell them that this chat box had popped up on the pbs.org site, so might have been hacked. Scan of my computer with 2 antivirus programs showed no malware.

Check fields!

Report Pbs.org


Upload here Increase visibility and credibility of your review by
adding a photo, document or video
Submit

Pbs.org Contacts

If you know any contact information for Pbs.org, help other victims by adding it!

Add new contacts

Recently updated reports

Country: Netherlands Total money lost: EUR 87.07 Type of scam: Online Purchase through PayPal Astronara operates using the same simple... 5 h ago
This her new scam name Aug 30, 2026
Karelle/Fake Riri asked me for money several times. I helped here and there but she promised to pay me back. It’s been over a year at this point... Aug 30, 2026
Tracking number: YT2622900708087304 Carrier: Yun Express Products: 3D Dinosaur Flannel Blanket SIZE: 152 x127 cm(60x50) Order ID: Git00052180 Order... Aug 29, 2026
I've gotten multiple calls, with different persons names, all attempting to scam me into answering and phish for my info. They supposedly are calling... Aug 28, 2026

New reports

The item that was shown on the website was not the same one via color material style that I received. They will not give a refund only partial... 15 h ago
Unauthorized charge 15 h ago
They two emails using different names and companies i also have screenshots 15 h ago
I purchased chairs online that was a Facebad, I’ve had their Chinese customer service keep telling me to wait 3-5 days as they are checking the... 15 h ago
I am pasting the exact email below. The scammer made a proposal for a job offer and the video and website actually looked very convincing. Good... 15 h ago

Most Read Reports

Text message stated. Deborah, closure was scheduled on your Hot Springs home warranty file. Home Warranty Dept: 1-844-300-1154. Reply STOP to opt out. 1 Reports
Terrible experience between Brandon and my ex girlfriend Michelle. 3 Reports
This message is still intended for ***** ** ******. This is my final attempt to contact you regarding this matter. I have made numerous attempts to... 386 Reports
I received a phone call from 260-271-8708. The person told me they were from process surveyors and that I needed to be home because there was a... 153 Reports
This message is intended for regarding case 26-XXXXXX. This is Brittany from Civil Process Dispatch. I'm calling to let you know that this i... 7 Reports