From Monday 10 June, a new ten-part OU/BBC series of Scam Interceptors starts on BBC One daytime and will run daily on weekdays at 10:45am. The new series will also be available on BBC iPlayer.
In this season, presenters Rav Wilding, Nick Stapleton and the team return to hunt down the scammers plaguing the lives of everyday people. The team’s scam hub is based at the BBC Scotland’s headquarters in Glasgow.
Working with ethical hacker Jim Browning, the Interceptors are using cutting edge technology to monitor the scammers’ phone calls and try and stop victims from paying out. All in real time.
The series sees the addition of teams of Interceptors on the ground, warning victims face to face and leaving the scammers with even fewer places to hide. The team also goes head-to-head with some of the scammers to confront on their crimes.
Academics Dr Dhouha Kbaier and Dr Ian Kennedy from the OU have contributed to the series as consultants, providing their expertise and knowledge during development and production.
Dr Dhouha Kbaier, Senior Lecturer in Computing and Communications, commented:
“The collaborative effort behind the series has been truly inspiring. Scam Interceptors brings the experiences, feelings, and stories of ordinary people who have fallen victim to scams to life in new and evocative ways. By combining real-world scenarios with expert advice, we aim to shed light on the pervasive issue of scams and provide practical solutions for the public.
“It’s crucial to present these stories to help the public recognise warning signs and protect themselves in an increasingly digital world. It’s a privilege to be part of this project.”
Dr Ian Kennedy, Senior Lecturer in Cyber Security, added:
“Fraud continues to be one of the most common crimes committed in the UK. Our nature as human beings mean we not only innovate for a better world but also to find ever smarter ways to commit social engineering tricks to part people with their money. The series aligns very well with some of the Open University’s teaching and research.
“The series and the accompanying online materials are a highly engaging platform to promote public awareness of some of the current techniques criminals are using to commit fraud. You may find it challenging to watch without shouting at the TV for victims to hang-up their phone at times!”
Further information
- Commissioned by Dr Caroline Ogilvie, Director, Broadcast and Partnerships
- Academic Consultants: Dr Dhouha Kbaier and Dr Ian Kennedy
- Media Fellows: Dr Andrew Potter
- Broadcast Project Manager: Clair Robinson
- Supporting Online Content: Matthew Ray
Visit the Broadcast & Partnerships site OU Connect where you can try our scam awareness quiz and find out more about protecting yourself in the digital age. (NB: this site may not be live or complete prior to broadcast)
