BBC Scam Safe

BBC Scam Safe 2024

Stop Scams UK and its members played a leading role in BBC Scam Safe Week which took place between November 23-29, 2024.

After the success of 2023, which saw the largest consumer campaign of its kind run by the broadcaster, the 2024 campaign saw a week-long schedule of programming about scams across all BBC channels and platforms, helping to boost awareness while offering advice on how people can keep themselves safe.

A whole host of shows across the BBC, including Morning Live, Rip Off Britain, The One Show, Bargain Hunt, Countryfile, The Archers, and Eastenders, cover scam-related content and storylines with Stop Scams UK members making a number of appearances on television and radio.

“BBC Scam Safe Week has been an outstanding initiative, shining a much-needed spotlight on the ever-evolving tactics of criminals,” said Stop Scams UK CEO Mark Tierney.

 “The week showcased the dedication of our members to come together to help educate consumers, offering practical advice on how they can protect themselves if they unwittingly find themselves caught up in a scam.

“Campaigns such as BBC Scam Safe are a huge opportunity to deliver stronger, clearer messaging and help consumers feel safer and more assured.”

For the first time, the campaign also included a five-day roadshow across England and Wales.

BBC Morning Live broadcast from five different locations, starting in Exeter before moving onto Cardiff, Hull, Carlisle and finishing up in Stockport.

Santander, TSB, Starling, Anna Money, Lloyds, Monzo, Barclays, HSBC, Visa, Nationwide and NatWest were all on hand across during the week to raise awareness about scams and fraud, as well as providing vital support and education.

Liz Ziegler, Fraud Prevention Director at Lloyds, appeared on BBC Morning Live in Carlisle to talk about advance fee fraud. “It was great to spend the day in Carlisle for the BBC’s Stay Scam Safe Roadshow, speaking to people about all the different scams that are out there and how they can keep themselves safe,” she said.

Richard Bromley, Head of Fraud Risk at Monzo said that events such as the road show, “really help to break the stigma around scams.”

Laura Carter, Head of Fraud Customer Experience at Santander, said: “We were able to provide the BBC with content from our fraud experts on national and local TV and radio. This was an amazing opportunity to provide a wide range of consumers with key fraud and scam prevention information. The support we’ve had from Stop Scams UK has been brilliant. They’ve helped bridge any gaps and ensured we remained up to date on plans.”

The campaign was launched on the BT Tower with “BBC Scam Safe” and “Stop Scams UK” visible to thousands of people out on the streets of London.