Scam Secrets

By BBC Radio 4

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Category: True Crime

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Subscribers: 80
Reviews: 1
Episodes: 20

User141
 Aug 10, 2025

Description

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


Episode Date
The Podcast Scam
May 07, 2026
The Booking.com Scam
Apr 30, 2026
Behind the Fake Profiles
Apr 23, 2026
Following the Trail
Apr 16, 2026
Please Call Me
Apr 09, 2026
Could You Grab Me Some Gift Cards?
Dec 25, 2025
The WhatsApp Takeover
Dec 18, 2025
We've Noticed Your CV
Dec 11, 2025
How Do I Get My Money Back?
Dec 04, 2025
The Winter Fuel Text
Nov 27, 2025
The Police Are On The Phone
Nov 20, 2025
We're Coming For Your Furniture
Sep 18, 2025
Hello Mum? I Can't Hear You
Sep 11, 2025
Would You Like This Piano?
Sep 04, 2025
Investment Scam: The Crypto Coach
Aug 28, 2025
Fake Company In Your House
Aug 21, 2025
The Great Knitted Cardigan Scam
Aug 14, 2025
Dating Fraud: Don't Worry, I'm Rich
Aug 07, 2025
'I'm Calling from Your Bank'
Jul 31, 2025
Introducing… Scam Secrets
Jul 25, 2025