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Episode details

Radio 4,02 Apr 2026,28 mins

Please Call Me

Scam Secrets

Available for over a year

Scam Secrets is back with a close look at a disturbing and emerging scam technique that can totally clean out its victims. In a hybrid scam - or pig butchering, as the criminals describe it - the manipulation reaches new levels as investment and romance scams are combined. Shari Vahl, criminal language expert Dr Lis Carter and former fraudster Alex Wood hear from Catherine, whose father was targeted in this way. A chilling voicenote reveals the romantic element to the scam, while a criminal pretending to be an investment adviser was busy stealing more than £200,000 from the 84-year-old. One of the leading experts on this trend, Dr Martina Dove, tells the team how she's read detailed scripts guiding criminals through how to psychologically manipulate different types of victims to a terrifying level of detail. Remember if there's a scam you want the team to investigate, or if you want to let us know what you thought of the programme - get in touch at scamsecrets@bbc.co.uk PRESENTER: SHARI VAHL PRODUCER: TOM MOSELEY

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