Scam Secrets

Dissecting the techniques criminals use to steal your money - with fraud investigator Shari Vahl, criminologist Dr Elisabeth Carter and ex-criminal Alex Wood.

Radio 4,24 episodes

Episodes

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The Instagram Takeover Scam
Why wouldn't you trust an old friend?
28 May 2026,28 mins
The Knock at the Door
Coming face to face with the scammer.
21 May 2026,27 mins
The Trial Shift Scam
A group of jobseekers realise their identities have been stolen.
14 May 2026,28 mins
The Customer Service Returns Scam
You really don't want to give your data to these websites.
07 May 2026,28 mins
The Podcast Scam
An elaborate hoax that all sounds so real.
30 Apr 2026,28 mins
The Booking.com Scam
How can you steer clear of this hard-to-spot scam?
23 Apr 2026,28 mins
Behind the Fake Profiles
How tech is under attack from criminals.
16 Apr 2026,28 mins
Following the Trail
Who really sent that message?
09 Apr 2026,28 mins
Please Call Me
The emerging scam that leaves its victims with nothing.
02 Apr 2026,28 mins
Could You Grab Me Some Gift Cards?
Your boss isn't sending those messages.
18 Dec 2025,28 mins
The WhatsApp Takeover
Who wouldn't trust a message from an old friend?
11 Dec 2025,28 mins
We've Noticed Your CV
Flexible hours, and you can work from home.
04 Dec 2025,28 mins
How Do I Get My Money Back?
You've just been scammed. Is that money gone forever?
27 Nov 2025,28 mins
The Winter Fuel Text
Here's what they do if you click the link.
20 Nov 2025,28 mins
The Police Are On The Phone
You want to help the police. Who wouldn't?
13 Nov 2025,28 mins
We're Coming For Your Furniture
Fake bailiffs and a terrifying phonecall out of the blue.
18 Sep 2025,27 mins
Hello Mum? I Can't Hear You
They know you'd do anything to help your family.
11 Sep 2025,28 mins
Would You Like This Piano?
The offers that aren't as generous as they seem.
04 Sep 2025,28 mins
Investment Scam: The Crypto Coach
Fake celebrities and psychological manipulation.
28 Aug 2025,28 mins
Fake Company In Your House
How to stop criminals using your address.
21 Aug 2025,28 mins
The Great Knitted Cardigan Scam
The great knitted cardigan scam.
14 Aug 2025,28 mins
Dating Fraud: Don't Worry, I'm Rich
Is that long-distance relationship all it seems?
07 Aug 2025,28 mins
'I'm Calling from Your Bank'
Is it really your bank on the phone?
31 Jul 2025,28 mins
Introducing… Scam Secrets
Meet our expert team: the investigative reporter, the criminologist and the ex-criminal.
25 Jul 2025,3 mins