Gloria Hunniford, the 85-year-old host of BBC’s “Rip Off Britain,” has issued a serious warning following a personal experience with a scam that resulted in a loss of £120,000. The incident involved an impostor who entered a Santander bank branch with two individuals claiming to be Hunniford’s daughter and grandson.
Details of the Scam
The scam took place several years ago. An impersonator produced a fraudulent driving license, allowing them to withdraw a total of £120,000 from Hunniford’s bank account. This included an initial withdrawal of £102,000, followed by an additional £18,000 later. This security breach occurred after the passing of her husband, Stephen Way, who had previously requested to be an authorized signatory on her account.
Bank Response
- Santander confirmed their commitment to addressing fraud seriously.
- Upon discovering the fraudulent activity, they alerted authorities and Hunniford.
- The bank has reimbursed her fully and implemented measures to enhance security against similar scams.
Despite the distress caused by the incident, Hunniford managed to recover her lost funds. She expressed irony at being scammed while she dedicates herself to educating the public about the pitfalls of fraud.
Ongoing Awareness and Future Concerns
Hunniford cautions that scams may become increasingly advanced due to the rise of artificial intelligence. Her work on “Rip Off Britain” focuses on exposing consumer frauds, amplifying her message regarding the need for vigilance against scams.
In a conversation with The Mirror earlier this year, Hunniford shared her reasons for continuing her work. She noted that having a structured routine helps her cope with emotional challenges, particularly following the loss of her daughter, Caron Keating, to cancer 21 years ago, and her husband last year.
Key Takeaways
- Gloria Hunniford lost £120,000 to a bank scam.
- The scam involved impersonators and fraudulent identification.
- Santander has since improved its fraud prevention processes.
- Hunniford advocates for increased public awareness of scams, especially with rising technology.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of scams and the importance of safeguarding personal financial information. Hunniford’s experience highlights the need for banks and individuals alike to remain vigilant.
