Don't Get Caught Out

Alexis Conran and his team take on the scammers who cynically target the people making the world a better place: charities, campaigners for good causes... and us when we try to support them.

Alexis Conran and his team take on the scammers who target us as we shop - whether we're buying online or out and about on the high street. We look at how scammers impersonate both online sellers and trusted financial institutions to get hold of our cash, how to stop your prized possessions getting snatched while you're out at the shops, and the devastating blackmail scam that's targeting small independent retailers across the country. 

Alexis Conran and his team take on the scammers who hit our wallets and our plans when we travel, whether it's here in the UK or on the far side of the world. As always, he also offers handy tips and advice on how to protect your money and peace-of-mind on holiday. Among the stories: on a once-in-a-lifetime safari in Africa, someone cloned Simon's credit card and secretly noted his PIN. When he returned home the scammers had taken control of his phone number and email, and then tried to raid several of his bank accounts for tens of thousands of pounds. Joanne from Greater Manchester was enjoying a holiday in Northumberland when scammers raided her bank account for £5,000. And Harriet from Manchester thought she was about to start an exciting new life as an ex-pat in Abu Dhabi - only to discover the apartment she'd paid a £2,000 deposit for wasn't really for rent.