Fraud is alarmingly prevalent, making up 40% of all recorded crime in the UK and affecting millions annually. Even celebrities are targeted—TV presenter Ben Fogle was used in a deepfake cryptocurrency scam that defrauded over 6,000 people of £27 million. In response, public figures are raising awareness and promoting online safety to help others avoid similar scams.
Why are celebrities speaking out about fraud?
Celebrities have a large influence and wide-reaching platforms, making them effective advocates for raising awareness about fraud. Many have personally fallen victim to scams or have seen their identities misused in fraudulent activities. By sharing their experiences, they help educate the public on recognising and avoiding scams.
5 Celebrities Who are Using Their Platforms to Spread Awareness:
Discover the leading celebrities using their platforms to combat fraud, curated by Director Jack Hayes and Senior Influencer Brand Manager Amelia Hayes. This list is based on insights from extensive research, including case studies and exclusive consumer reports, analysing the effectiveness of celebrity-led fraud awareness campaigns.
1. Matthew Wright
In August 2024, broadcaster Matthew Wright fell victim to a sophisticated scam that resulted in a loss of £19,000. The incident began when he received a message, purportedly from the delivery company Evri, claiming he had missed a laptop delivery and prompting him to click a link to reschedule for a £2.50 fee. Unbeknownst to Wright, this was a phishing attempt designed to harvest his credit card details. Shortly after, he received a call from someone posing as an American Express representative, warning him about the scam and discussing fraudulent charges on his account. This was followed by another call from a fraudster impersonating a bank official, ultimately deceiving Wright into providing his banking login details, leading to a substantial financial loss.
Wright described the experience as "crushing," revealing that this was the second time he had fallen victim to fraud. Determined to prevent others from enduring similar losses, he has since used his platform to raise awareness about the tactics used by scammers. Through television appearances, radio discussions, and social media, he has been vocal about online and phone-based fraud, urging people to remain vigilant and take extra precautions when dealing with unexpected financial requests. His advocacy aims to highlight the growing sophistication of scams and educate the public on how to spot and avoid them.
2. Denise Welch
Denise Welch, known for her role on Loose Women, fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam that resulted in the theft of thousands of pounds. The scam began with a call appearing to be from Barclays Bank, during which the fraudster, posing as a bank representative, convinced her to provide personal information, including her PIN. This deception led to the cloning of her bank card and the subsequent withdrawal of funds from her account. Reflecting on the incident, Welch expressed feelings of embarrassment and a diminished sense of trust, stating, "It’s made me trust nobody, but I feel safer that way."
Determined to prevent others from experiencing similar frauds, Welch has been actively raising awareness about fraud prevention. She has partnered with EE's Scam Shield campaign to educate the public on safeguarding personal information, emphasising the importance of skepticism towards unsolicited calls and verifying the authenticity of callers, even if they appear to represent reputable institutions. Additionally, she has appeared on platforms like Good Morning Britain to discuss the rise of phone scams and share her personal story. Through these efforts, Welch aims to inform others about the tactics used by fraudsters and promote vigilance in digital interactions.
3. Steph McGovern
Steph McGovern, host of Steph's Packed Lunch, has actively used her platform to raise awareness about various scams and fraud tactics. In March 2021, she received a call claiming she was under investigation by HMRC, which she immediately recognised as a scam and warned her followers about. Later that year, she shared a screenshot of a fraudulent text message, cautioning others not to fall for similar schemes. By using her social media presence, she continues to highlight real-life scam attempts, urging people to stay vigilant.
Beyond social media, McGovern has incorporated fraud awareness into her television programme, Steph’s Packed Lunch. She regularly features consumer experts, such as Sonali Shah, who provide viewers with practical advice on identifying and avoiding scams. These segments also educate audiences on what steps to take if they suspect they've been targeted by fraudsters. Through her public warnings and television discussions, McGovern is playing a crucial role in informing and protecting people from financial scams.
4. Helen Skelton
In 2019, television presenter Helen Skelton fell victim to a sophisticated banking scam that resulted in the loss of £70,000. The fraudsters, posing as bank officials, convinced her over the phone to transfer funds, exploiting her trust and urgency. Despite considering herself financially savvy, Skelton later admitted feeling "stupid and embarrassed" for falling for the scam, highlighting how even well-informed individuals can be deceived.
The experience left her shaken and deeply frustrated with how easily fraudsters can manipulate their victims. She has since used her platform to raise awareness about financial scams, urging people to question unexpected banking requests and to be cautious of unsolicited calls. Skelton has emphasized the emotional and financial impact of fraud, stressing that embarrassment should not prevent victims from speaking out.
As part of her advocacy, she has worked alongside financial institutions and consumer protection campaigns to educate the public on fraud prevention. She encourages individuals to verify identities before transferring money and calls for stronger security measures from banks to prevent similar crimes. Her experience serves as a stark reminder of the evolving tactics used by fraudsters and the importance of staying vigilant in an increasingly digital world.
5. Rav Wilding
Rav Wilding, a former detective and television presenter, has dedicated his career to combating fraud and raising public awareness about scams. He co-hosts the BBC series Scam Interceptors, where he collaborates with ethical hackers to monitor and intervene in real-time scams, aiming to protect potential victims from fraudsters. The programme has been recognised for its impactful work, winning the Business Award at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute's annual Hero Awards. ​
Beyond the show, Wilding actively engages with the public through various media platforms. He has appeared on programmes like BBC's Morning Live, discussing emerging scam tactics and providing advice on how individuals can safeguard themselves against fraud. Additionally, he utilises social media to share timely warnings about ongoing scams, emphasising the importance of vigilance in digital interactions. ​
Through these efforts, Wilding plays a crucial role in educating the public about the evolving nature of scams and the measures they can take to protect themselves.
How are celebrities spreading awareness about fraud?
Celebrities use a variety of platforms to educate the public, including:
Social Media: They post about scams they’ve encountered on platforms Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, warning followers about ongoing fraud tactics.
TV & Interviews: Celebrities like Rav Wilding and Steph McGovern feature fraud awareness segments on their shows.
Partnerships: Some work with anti-fraud campaigns, like Denise Welch’s collaboration with EE’s Scam Shield.
Consumer Advocacy: Figures like Gloria Hunniford use programmes such as Rip Off Britain to highlight fraud cases and expose scam methods.
How can I stay safe from fraud?
Some key tips shared by celebrities and fraud awareness campaigns include:
Be Skeptical: Never trust unsolicited calls, messages, or emails that request personal information.
Verify Sources: If someone claims to be from a bank or government agency, contact them directly through official channels.
Use Strong Security Measures: Enable two-factor authentication and monitor bank statements for suspicious activity.
Stay Informed: Follow trusted fraud awareness resources and be aware of evolving scam tactics.
Where can I find more information about fraud prevention?
Many official organisations provide fraud prevention resources, including:
Fraud is an ever-growing threat, but with public figures using their influence to spread awareness, more people can stay informed and protected. Celebrities who have experienced scams firsthand or are passionate about consumer protection are making a real impact by educating their audiences on how to recognise and avoid fraud. Their efforts not only help prevent financial loss but also empower individuals to be more vigilant in an increasingly digital world. If you’re working on a fraud awareness campaign and would like to collaborate with well-known advocates in this space, there are plenty of opportunities to create impactful initiatives. By working together, we can amplify these important messages and help protect even more people from becoming victims of scams. Find out more by calling us on 0203 9580 427 or fill out our online contact form.
