TV and Radio Presenter Scammed out of life savings

TV and radio presenter, Helen Skelton has spoken out and revealed she lost her life savings after fraudsters fooled her over the phone.

Speaking on ITV breakfast show with Lorraine Kelly, Helen Skelton told viewers to be cautious after the busy mom of three was distracted and believed fraudsters who claimed to be calling from her bank.

She explained how the fraudsters asked a few simple questions over the phone and they gained access to her bank account and stole her entire £70,000 life savings. She explained that whilst at home looking after her children, she was called out of the blue, by someone claiming to be from her bank and told there had been some suspicious activity on her account.

Since the scam, Helen has gone on to make her own programme about scams, she told Lorraine: “I got phoned up by the bank, told something dodgy had gone on with my account. A week later £70,000 of my savings had gone. It was just a few questions over the phone, and the reason I have made this programme is because it happens every day of the week to all members, we’re not talking about little old ladies, who are victims, who don’t understand the internet, that’s a massively naïve assumption. It’s happening to people, and they’re too embarrassed to say that it has happened. We’ve got a programme on next week which is hopefully going to help people be aware, be on guard and avoid that.”

Avoid Bank Account Fraud

• Remember, a genuine bank will never contact you out of the blue to ask for your full PIN or password.
• Don’t assume a phone call is authentic just because someone knows your basic details, such as name and address.
• Phone numbers and email addresses can be spoofed, so always contact the company directly via a known email or phone number (such as the one on the back of your bank card).
• Don’t be tricked into giving a fraudster access to your personal or financial details. Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected text or email.
• Every Report Matters. If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber-crime, report it to us online or by calling 0300 123 2040.