Amanda Holden has teamed up with the BBC's Scam Interceptors for a special episode airing during Scam Safe Week, after scammers used her name and image to defraud victims out of thousands of pounds. The Britain's Got Talent judge said she felt compelled to act after learning that a vulnerable older man had been tricked into believing he was in a relationship with her.
Holden revealed that police contacted her after the man's relatives raised concerns. The victim had planned to sell his home, believing the proceeds would go to Holden and that they would live together. 'Obviously, this was never going to happen,' she said. 'The scammers were going to pocket all his money.'
In the programme, Holden joins host Rav Wilding and the team to monitor scammers in real time using remote access technology. They confront fraudsters and attempt to stop scams before they happen. Holden described confronting one scammer impersonating her, whom she dubbed 'Scamanda'.
The episode is part of BBC Scam Safe Week, which aims to raise awareness of fraud. Holden urged the public to be cautious: 'Never, ever give out bank details, pin numbers or transfer money. Hang up and call into your local bank branch or call their official number on the back of your bank card.'
