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I have been keeping tabs on related topics repeated over and over on these forums. It usually starts at the beginning of starting to do business with Roku by buying their device and somehow a scammer takes advantage of them via a fake website or selfsame equally fake call center asking for money when signing up for an account, activating it, or later when there might be a tech problem with it.
Or other times with a slightly different bent with a desire to subscribe to one or more paywall apps conveniently with just a couple of clicks (nothing wrong with paid subscriptions as I have CBS All Access right now and if I like Peacock when it launches, I’ll pay for that a bit later). After all, it’s so convenient and easy. A couple of clicks while perched on your couch and you're all signed up because your credit/debit card is always on file in your Roku account. Easy peasy. Just sit back and let Roku handle it. Or not? Is there a better way of managing your money during these very strange times? Yes there is!
Well, that’s where fantasy ends and reality begins. It’s after that click or two, or worse, dealing with scammers if your luck is really bad, that the problems begin for the vast majority of the complainers and (sadly) rapidly growing angry group of users here. I really don't blame them. They cannot reach a real live human anymore at the real Roku Call Center for support live humans only can give as it’s closed for the foreseeable future to fix things when online generated solutions don’t work.
Roku seems to be going through with their own metamorphosis during a time when their services are most needed (and swamped with equally confused and growing more angry people). They seem to be growing by leaps and bounds. Without much human involvement as they are now dependent on a vastly shrunk down workforce and more and more on automation to maintain the company functions. What to do?
Simple. Here is my bulleted list of how I keep banking information via my card numbers, or sensitive information safe from most anyone. Always keep in mind it’s really up to YOU to monitor the situation(s) we find ourselves in right now, not the vendors.
The real Roku does not ask for money for anything like signing up, activating the device, even for their own offered extenders except for the purchase of their actual products from reputable offline and online sources. If you get any other response of people claiming they are “helping” you-especially asking for payment and/or sensitive information, terminate all contact immediately. If you possibly can hire someone (i.e. Best Buy Geek Squad, a trusted knowledgeable friend) for setting up your account and device especially for first time Roku users, do so. It’s worth the hassle and money. Remember, you’re really on your own after purchase now.
Also keep in mind, little Roku really can’t keep up with the unexpected huge demand that the unique situation the world finds itself in right now created. Growing pains initially caused by cord cutting, then later by that unique situation and the resulting reduced staff means it's good to limit your involvement with Roku to bare minimum (online only) for the time being.. Yes, you have to keep a credit/debit card number on file. I hate that, but it’s Roku’s dime and I have to go along with it. My solution? I use my mother’s reloadable debit card-with her permission-which always has a balance of “0” as I never use it anymore. So I don’t have to worry about Roku or any other online vendor that wants to keep a card number on file for whatever reasoning they have pulling money out of it-or worse double billing me-without my permission or knowledge If I want to use paid online services or buy products, I have another reloadable debit card (my own) which I use to pay for my ordered services/products all within my full control. I never keep that one on file anywhere.
My paid apps (CBS All Access & perhaps Peacock later) with a paywall are paid by this other completely different card when the subscription is due DIRECTLY on their respected website(s) on a completely-separate-from-Roku account I signed up for at the beginning of my free trial period with them. I like to delete the card’s number right after the paid amount is posted to their account if possible. I keep their own phone number(s) for their own Call Center(s) in my own phone’s Contacts in case of any problems. For the freebies (free non subscription) apps, I email them if there are any problems. With one exception, I was always been helped via email within 24 hours. No middlemen or companies coming in between me and my hard earned money ever again!
If I have an issue with Roku’s own devices, hardware, software, operation, or any other problem, I still will contact Roku directly online on this official forums or their email services. The most interesting thing I've noticed is once I set up the devices for me or my friends and family, I-or they-really don’t have any issues with the physical devices or my Roku account themselves. I just enjoy being on this forum or watching my Roku stream my content.
I hope the same goes with all of you 
who adopt this way of doing business! It's up to you now!
