Image: BBC PR
By Jon Donnis
The popular consumer affairs programme Rip Off Britain is returning to BBC One on 11 November at 10.45am, once again helmed by Gloria Hunniford and Julia Somerville. Known for tackling the issues that hit UK consumers hardest, the show continues to expose shocking scams, unfair business practices, and other pressing consumer matters affecting everyday lives. This series will feature a special focus on scams, presented as part of Scam Safe week on the BBC. These dedicated episodes aim to shed light on some of the most troubling scams currently affecting people across the country, offering advice and cautionary tales to help viewers stay vigilant.
The scam specials this season include stories that highlight the clever and insidious tactics of fraudsters. Among the cases examined are fake missing person advertisements, cheque fraud, and an alarming story of eBay scammers who held a man to ransom. The team also investigates fraud involving the misuse of cookies to gather personal information, along with the shocking case of a property being listed for sale without the owner's knowledge. Other scams covered include Amazon account fraud using remote access and the dangerous trade in fake weight-loss injections, sold online with potentially lethal ingredients. The series will also examine the rising incidents of phone theft and the tech industry's response to this ongoing issue.
Beyond scams, Rip Off Britain is set to address other critical consumer challenges. In one episode, the team looks into how communication breakdowns between vets and insurance companies are leaving pet owners with unexpected bills, while another feature explores the spread of bamboo under houses, a costly and damaging problem for homeowners. There's also the case of a former bank employee from Southampton who needs help tracking down a lost pension pot worth £45,000, a reminder of the potential pitfalls in managing finances.
With Christmas around the corner, the series covers travel-related issues that could ruin festive getaways. Gloria and Julia examine how a damaged passport can lead to travel chaos, such as the experience of a couple from Newport who were denied boarding after an airline employee mistakenly advised them to remove a sticker from their passport. Several homeowners share their stories of returning to flooded homes, some with raw sewage, only to find that insurers are refusing to cover the extensive damage.
Gloria Hunniford expressed her enthusiasm for the new series, especially the Scam Safe week specials, which she believes will help viewers stay alert to the evolving tactics of criminals seeking to steal personal information and funds. Julia Somerville adds that one of her favourite aspects of Rip Off Britain is its broad appeal, covering issues that affect all consumers, from pet owners and homeowners to anyone with a bank account. For Julia, there's something for everyone in each episode, and her hope is that the programme will continue to educate and protect viewers.
Rachel Platt, Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime, commented on the timeliness of the new series, noting how Rip Off Britain remains crucial for UK consumers facing increased financial pressures. She highlighted the importance of Scam Safe week, which seeks to educate and empower viewers to protect themselves and their loved ones. Rowland Stone, Executive Producer for BBC Studios, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the significance of the show's return during the lead-up to Christmas and amid rising living costs. He previewed some of the additional topics to be covered, including the complexities of No Win, No Fee legal cases and the hidden costs of ground rent.
Rip Off Britain returns to BBC One and iPlayer on 11 November at 10.45am, with Gloria, Julia, and the team ready to uncover the latest consumer issues, educate viewers, and continue their mission to protect consumers across the UK.
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