Key Highlights
- BBC Scam Safe week kicks off on Saturday 22 November with a range of special programming aimed at educating the public about scams.
- The week-long campaign will feature content across BBC News, TV shows like Countryfile and The One Show, as well as radio and online platforms.
- BBC Scam Safe Week will include new episodes of Rip Off Britain and the launch of a new series on Scam Interceptors.
- Special programming includes live rohows with experts from major banks and trading standards to provide real-time advice.
The Rise of Scams: Why BBC Is Stepping Up Again
In an era where scammers grow bolder, the BBC is once again stepping up its public service campaign. This year’s BBC Scam Safe week, running from Saturday 22 November to Sunday 30 November, aims to equip viewers with vital information on how to protect themselves and their loved ones.
As scammers become more sophisticated, the BBC recognizes the need for a comprehensive approach. This year’s special programming across TV, radio, online platforms, and social media is designed to demystify common scams and provide practical advice.
BBC Scam Safe Week: A Multimedia Approach
The week kicks off with scam-related news content on BBC Breakfast, starting from 6 am on Saturday 22 November. Viewers can also look forward to a special episode of Countryside‘s investigation into scammers impersonating food businesses, highlighting the devastating consequences of such fraud.
Morning Live will spearhead the campaign with live coverage across the week. Experts like Watchdog’s Matt Allwright and Scam Interceptor’s Nick Stapleton will share the latest scam tactics and offer tips on how to stay safe. The programme will explore topics ranging from identity theft to convincing whisky investment scams.
New Series: Amanda Holden Joins the Fight
In a special episode of Scam Interceptors, hosted by Rav Wilding and Nick Stapleton, BBC star Amanda Holden steps into the fray. After being scammed herself, Amanda is teaming up with Scam Interceptors to expose global criminals targeting UK victims. The new series will air weekdays at 2 pm on BBC One during Scam Safe Week from 24 November.
Four brand-new episodes will showcase sophisticated strategies to intercept scam calls and stop scams in person.
Amanda’s involvement adds a personal touch, emphasizing the human impact of these crimes. The entire series will launch on Monday 3 November 2025 on BBC iPlayer.
Rip Off Britain: Diving into Urgent Scam Issues
Rip Off Britain returns with Gloria Hunniford, Julia Somerville, and Louise Minchin tackling urgent scam issues. Shari Vahl from BBC Radio 4 will share expert insights on topics like counterfeit goods, courier fraud, gift card cons, and fraudulent football and flight ticket sales.
The series delves into alarming cases such as fake bank accounts, scam phone calls, and the devastating AI romance scam that left one woman tens of thousands of pounds out of pocket. The team will also explore an international crypto mega-scam that coned 32,000 people out of hundreds of millions of pounds.
Other Special Episodes: From Bargain Hunt to Hope Street
Bargain Hunt explores the growing problem of counterfeit antiques and collectables. Presenter Christina Trevanion investigates examples of fakes, including imitation Royal Crown Derby porcelain. She also speaks with expert Garry King about spotting fake celebrity autographs.
In Hope Street, a storyline centered around phone scams will run throughout the week.
When Lois receives a suspicious call, she quickly realizes it’s a scammer. The police hear these calls and wonder if local scammers are operating closer to home. Meanwhile, Clint is scammed out of £25K when he shares his bank account details with a fraudster during a phone call.
Radio Engagement: Life Hacks and 1Xtra Talks
BBC Radio 1 – Life Hacks will feature an ‘Ask Me Anything’ special on scams, providing listeners with expert advice. On Radio 1Xtra – 1Xtra Talks with Richie Brave, the host will explore travel scams and how they impact people systematically.
BBC Radio 2 – The Scott Mills Breakfast Show features a very special guest to pass on tips for staying scam safe. Meanwhile, Asian Network – The Everyday Hustle hosts a special show with Harleen Nottay, part of the Scam Interceptors team.
BBC Education and TikTok Live
BBC Education launches the “How Scam Savvy Are You?” online quiz to test participants’ knowledge. The TikTok Live event will support teenagers in navigating scams impacting them specifically. A new BBC Live Lesson from Bitesize will help primary school children recognize signs of scams and understand how to manage their money.
A Week of Expert Advice: Real-Time Support Through Rohows
The week is proud to announce a series of rohows (radio hours) in collaboration with Morning Live and BBC local radio. These events feature representatives from major high street banks, national trading standards, and scam experts providing real-time advice.
Each event will offer vital support and education, raising awareness about scams and fraud. They aim to empower the public with practical knowledge on how to protect themselves against scammers in today’s digital age.
BBC Scam Safe Week is a testament to the BBC’s commitment to public service programming.
By combining expert insights with real-time advice, the campaign aims to make a significant impact on viewers’ ability to stay safe from scams. As scammers continue to evolve their tactics, programs like this are crucial in equipping the public with the knowledge needed to navigate these challenges.
