Watch BBC Scam Safe Week 2024 for Ultimate Scam Advice

BBC Scam Safe Week is back from November 23 to November 29, 2024. It’s the dedicated seven-day initiative that raises awareness about scams. It educates viewers on fraud prevention and highlights local events and resources such as our very own CallGuard, to help people protect themselves from cyber and phone scams.

The event is organised by the BBC in partnership with Stop Scams UK. Special programming is across BBC One, BBC Three, and BBC Radio.

What is BBC Scam Week?

BBC Scam Week is a seven-day awareness Scam Safe campaign that shines a light on scammers. It will include criminal techniques, how they exploit technology, and practical tips to help you stay safe. Shows like Morning Live, The One Show, and Watchdog will feature real-life fraud cases, with experts sharing how to avoid falling victim to scams. This year, the theme “Stick It to the Scammers” encourages the public to be vigilant and take proactive steps against fraud.

One unique highlight is “Scam Interceptors Day,” featuring in-depth reports from BBC journalists, law enforcement, and tech experts who expose fraud techniques and discuss prevention strategies. In addition, for those curious about Scam Interceptors, it airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, providing a front-line view of scam-fighting operations. However, we recommend checking the BBC TV Guide for the latest schedule.

Why is BBC Scam Safe Week important?

Scams are increasingly sophisticated, with fraudsters using AI, phishing, smishing, and social engineering to steal identities, financial information, and more. These scams not only cause financial losses but also lead to emotional distress for victims, often leaving them feeling vulnerable and violated. In fact, according to recent data from Stop Scams UK, in 2023, scams cost the UK public over £1.2 billion—a substantial toll on individuals and businesses alike. Vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, are particularly at risk, as they are prime targets for scammers due to perceived trust or unfamiliarity with digital technology.

Understanding the psychological impact

Beyond financial loss, scam victims often face anxiety, embarrassment, and even depression after being scammed. Raising awareness during BBC Scam Safe Week aims to equip people with the knowledge to spot scams, report suspicious activity, and protect themselves against these emotional and financial impacts.

Be sure to watch key programs like Morning Live and The One Show to stay informed on scam protection strategies.

Phonely’s role in scam protection

At Phonely, we are committed to protecting customers from scams and fraud. Our CallGuard feature provides real-time, automatic call blocking, stopping known scam numbers and suspicious callers before they reach you. By partnering with trusted organisations like Neighbourhood Watch and liaising with Age UK, we’re focused on keeping the elderly and vulnerable safe from scammers who prey on trust. It’s through these collaborations that Phonely customers receive relevant, up-to-date advice on how to stay secure.

Our partnerships allow us to extend scam awareness initiatives beyond just technology. Working with Age UK helps us better serve older adults, who are statistically more likely to become a target of certain scams. In our partnership with Neighbourhood Watch, we share insights and resources to support community vigilance against fraud. As a dementia-friendly business, we also recognise that scammers often take advantage of those with cognitive vulnerabilities. Our team at Phonely provides tailored support and resources to meet the unique needs of these individuals, aiming to help them feel secure.

“The built-in security provided by Phonely gives me confidence that I am less likely to be bothered by scammers.” Eric Turner

Where can you find BBC Scam Safe Week programming?

Throughout BBC Scam Safe Week, special programming can be found on:

• BBC Morning Live (starting daily at 9:15 am), featuring expert tips & scam protection advice.
• The One Show (7:00 pm daily), highlighting real scam stories & preventive strategies.
• BBC Three documentaries, such as Hunting the Catfish Crime Gang, airing on November 23.
• Scam Interceptors on BBC One and iPlayer, offering in-depth fraud investigations led by BBC experts.

Protect yourself with Phonely’s CallGuard

While BBC Scam Week provides essential scam protection tips, having a solution like Phonely’s CallGuard adds an extra layer of security. CallGuard uses advanced call-blocking technology to stop scam calls before they reach you and furthermore provides continuous, automatic protection. The anti-fraud introduction will make criminals think twice before they connect their call. Then, of course, you have the option of live human intervention from a trusted person during any of your calls.

You can also stay informed and proactive with our “Who Called Me” feature. This allows you to report suspicious numbers and check if others have flagged the caller. Consequently, all suspicious numbers reported are automatically blocked from Phonely customer accounts within the hour.

Beyond blocking calls, CallGuard empowers you with 24/7 scam protection and peace of mind. You’ll know that you have the ultimate in defence phone against fraud. This level of proactive protection aligns perfectly with BBC Scam Safe Week’s mission. Which is to reduce scam vulnerability by promoting preventive measures and awareness.

Top scam-related programs during BBC Scam Week

If you’re looking to stay informed, here are key programs to watch during BBC Scam Week:

• What is the TV programme on scamming 2024? Morning Live & The One Show are must-watch shows, packed with practical advice.
• What time are Scam Interceptors on? Check your local BBC One listing or catch it on iPlayer.
• What is the scammer program on BBC1? Both Scam Interceptors and Watchdog offer in-depth coverage, arming you with the latest scam prevention strategies.

Practical tips for scam prevention

To protect yourself even further, here are some quick scam prevention tips to apply daily:

• Verify caller identity: If you receive a call claiming to be from a familiar institution, hang up and call them directly using a verified number.
• Avoid sharing personal information: Fraudsters often attempt to build a profile by gathering small details. Keep sensitive information private.
• Stay informed: Regularly check for updates on common scams. Phonely’s blog and Who Called Me feature can be great resources for spotting the latest scam tactics.
• Use Phonely’s CallGuard: Automatic call blocking is one of the best preventive tools available, adding an extra layer of protection to your phone line.

Help others stay scam-safe this week! Share this blog to spread awareness and make scam prevention accessible to everyone.

FAQ on BBC Scam Safe Week & Phonely’s CallGuard

Why Phonely stays committed to scam protection

Phonely’s dedication to scam protection goes beyond technology. We understand the importance of trust and are committed to empowering our users with the information and tools they need. This is because we are an employee-owned company. Each and every one of us has felt the effects of a scam.

Whether you’re a senior wanting to safeguard your details or someone aiming to avoid common fraud schemes, Phonely’s CallGuard and our partnerships help ensure you stay scam-aware and scam safe.

For more information on BBC Scam Week, visit BBC Scam Safe Week and remember to keep an eye out for Phonely!

To learn how Phonely can help protect you from scam calls, explore our scam-blocking features on Phonely’s official website.