Scam Secrets
BBC Radio 4
It might look like a perfectly ordinary message. It could come from someone you thought you trusted. Or it could be a phone call that catches you off guard. Whatever the method, the goal is the same. They want your money.But if you know their secrets, you can spot the red flags before it is too late.Shari Vahl, who has investigated fraud for the BBC for 20 years, is joined by the criminologist and forensic linguist, Dr Elisabeth Carter, and Alex Wood - a former criminal who now tries to stop scams - to dissect the shadiest techniques criminals use to steal your cash. In each episode, they dig deep into a different scam, with first-hand accounts from the people targeted, forensic analysis of the techniques and mind games being used - and even secret recordings of the scammers themselves.
Scam Secrets will publish weekly from 31 July. Subscribe on BBC Sounds so you never miss an episode.
You can also email the Scam Secrets team - tell them which scams you want them to unpick: scamsecrets@bbc.co.uk
Scam Secrets will publish weekly from 31 July. Subscribe on BBC Sounds so you never miss an episode.
You can also email the Scam Secrets team - tell them which scams you want them to unpick: scamsecrets@bbc.co.uk
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 28, 2025 • 28min
Investment Scam: The Crypto Coach
A trusted celeb seems to be promoting a crypto investment. Would you know what to do?In this episode of Scam Secrets, Shari Vahl, Dr Elisabeth Carter and former criminal Alex Wood hear how an apparent endorsement from a trusted celebrity paved the way for the relentless psychological manipulation of a couple, with devastating consequences.The team discuss how helpless people can even be made to lie to their own banks while under the spell of criminals, and they highlight the red flags to watch out for so you can spot what the fraudsters are doing.PRESENTER: SHARI VAHL
PRODUCER: TOM MOSELEY
Aug 21, 2025 • 28min
Fake Company In Your House
A letter arrives at your home - addressed to a company you've never heard of. Would you know what to do?Criminals are registering companies at innocent people's addresses at a shocking scale - sometimes covering an entire street at a time. In this episode, Shari Vahl, Dr Elisabeth Carter and former fraudster Alex Wood find out the alarming consequences if your home is targeted - and how to fight back.Fake companies expert Graham Barrow joins the programme to explain what the criminals are after, and to discuss whether Companies House's latest crackdown is working.PRESENTER: SHARI VAHLPRODUCER: TOM MOSELEY
9 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 28min
The Great Knitted Cardigan Scam
Chris Ainsley, Head of fraud at Santander, dives into the world of online retail scams, shedding light on how organized gangs exploit dropshipping. He discusses the alarming rise in consumer complaints over low-quality goods that aren't as advertised. Chris explains the importance of chargebacks and advises how to navigate disputes with banks. The conversation reveals the psychological tricks fraudsters use, from urgent language to fake reviews. Ainsley advocates for tighter regulations on social media platforms to protect unsuspecting shoppers.
13 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 29min
Dating Fraud: Don't Worry, I'm Rich
Dr. Elisabeth Carter, a criminologist and forensic linguist, and Jim Winters, an economic crime expert, delve into the disturbing world of romance scams. They dissect how scammers use emotional tactics like love bombing and silence to manipulate their victims, leading to devastating financial losses. Listeners will learn about fake banking apps, the psychological tricks that keep victims hooked, and the importance of involving trusted friends to combat these schemes. With insights into the sophistication of modern scams, this conversation is both chilling and enlightening.
8 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 29min
'I'm Calling from Your Bank'
Alex Wood, a former fraudster turned anti-fraud adviser, shares his insights on social engineering while Detective Chief Inspector John Hodgen explains the complexities of organized fraud. Dr. Elizabeth Carter dives into the psychological tactics scammers use to manipulate victims. They discuss a chilling real-case incident involving a phishing email that led to a devastating bank impersonation scheme. The trio highlights essential red flags to recognize, the methods fraudsters use to build trust, and measures to protect oneself against such scams.
Jul 25, 2025 • 3min
Introducing… Scam Secrets
Criminals will try anything to steal your money - but if you know their techniques, you can see the scams coming.
In this series, BBC fraud reporter Shari Vahl analyses some of the most shocking scams she's covered, dissecting how they work piece-by-piece. To do this, she's joined by the criminologist and forensic linguist Dr Elisabeth Carter, and Alex Wood - a former criminal who stole millions then dedicated his life to trying to prevent scams from harming others. Together they will arm you with the inside knowledge you need to beat the fraudsters.In this special introduction episode, they reveal what is coming up in the series – everything from a devastating dating scam to fake celebrities and a bizarre cardigan - with terrifying phone calls, victim testimonies and secret recordings of the criminals themselves.Scam Secrets will publish weekly from 31 July. Subscribe on BBC Sounds so you never miss an episode.
