BBC Scam Safe Week helps stick it to scammers

THE BBC has been dedicating seven days of programming to its annual Scam Safe Week this week, with shows and segments aimed at highlighting the latest frauds.

This year's campaign is more extensive than ever, with a variety of programs across television and radio aiming to reach a wide audience with the aim of giving people the knowledge and understanding to defend themselves against scammers.

Aiming the TV shows taking part (and all available on the iPlayer) are Watchdog, Rip Off Britain, Countryfile, The Antiques Roadshow, Morning Live and The One Show, which will feature tips and advice from experts.

Across the BBC radio network shows including Moneybox, You An& Yours and the Today programme have been discussing the latest scams and providing advice on how to protect yourself. They are all available on BBC Sounds or the iPlayer.

BBC's Scam Safe Week will integrate scam awareness messages into various other shows across its channels with even dramas like The Archers and EastEnders getting in on the act.

There is a Scam Safe Week web page here that has a wealth of advice, real life stories and links to more information. Among the features are an A-Z of Scams, free updates from Which? magazine, links to documentaries, links to request Stick it to the Scammers stickers to go near your phone or mobile phone backgrounds to remind you about bogus callers, details of organisations to contact if you think you’ve been scammed and much more.

There is also a quiz here to show you how equipped you are to spot a scam.

Ruth Evans, Chair of Stop Scams UK, said “We believe the partnership between Stop Scams UK and the BBC underscores the importance of giving the public the tools they need to best defend themselves against scams.”