BBC EastEnders becomes latest soap to issue urgent warning over ‘sophisticated’ scam targeting fans: ‘Be vigilant!’
WATCH HERE: Christopher Biggins shares his personal experience with online scammers
GB News
EastEnders has issued an urgent warning to fans about online scammers who are impersonating cast members and requesting money for meetings and set visits.
The BBC soap took to social media to alert viewers about fraudsters sending direct messages and attempting to arrange paid interactions with supposed cast members.
The warning comes just days after ITV soaps Emmerdale and Coronation Street issued similar alerts about sophisticated scam tactics targeting their viewers.
In a statement shared on Instagram, EastEnders warned: "Please note that no cast member or EastEnders employee will ever make contact to request money for meetings, messages, set visits or any other interactions."
The soap urged followers to be vigilant, stating: "If you have been contacted, especially on social media platforms via a direct message or mass message posted to a group, please ensure you report these instances to the relevant platform immediately."
ITV soaps, in their own recent warnings, highlighted the sophisticated nature of these scams - warning that fraudsters are using AI deepfake technology to deceive fans.
An important message from #EastEnders… pic.twitter.com/4Q3REtX9ni
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) January 27, 2025
"We are aware these sophisticated impersonations can include deepfake footage (where it appears to be the actor talking but isn't) and personal messages which seem to be realistic and in character," the ITV statement revealed.
The network emphasised that the only legitimate way to meet cast members is through official "meet and greet" events run by ITV Star Tours.
Cases of online fraud are growing rapidly across the UK, using AI and other advanced tech tricks to steal millions all over the country.
ActionFraud revealed that over £17.7million had been pinched by fraudsters through pensions scams in 2023.
Please be aware that actors from both Coronation Street and Emmerdale are currently being impersonated by scammers across all social media platforms.
— Emmerdale (@emmerdale) January 23, 2025
No cast member will ever directly request money for messages, meetings or any kind of personal interaction on social media. pic.twitter.com/1ZXOr6SC1m
The previous year, £1.2billion was stolen in other scam schemes – 80 per cent of which started online according to data from UK Finance.
The new soap warnings follow a particularity pertinent story line in the EastEnders, part of the BBC's Scam Safe initiative, where Walford resident Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) fell victim to fraudsters.
In the episode, broadcast late last year, Jean was ecstatic about her decision to invest her pension fund after opportunities were offered to her by so-called "financial advisers".
Among the apparent benefits of this new scheme was a luxurious retirement home in Greece, which she happily shared details about with other characters.
Both Jean's partner Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) and Kathy Cotton (Gillian Taylforth) warned her but she powered on, fuelled by the various promises of the fraudsters.
Of course, the scheme was soon revealed to be a spoof as Jean was unable to contact her supposed advisers.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
EastEnders character Jean Slater fell victim to a cruel online scam in a recent episode
BBC
In a heartbreaking scene, Jean's daughter Stacey (Lacey Turner) found her feverishly rifling through her paperwork and hyperventilating as the reality was beginning to dawn on her that she had just signed away her life savings.
Following the official warning from EastEnders, fans responded with dismay over the development.
“It’s a sad day all round when you have to put a message like this on social media, it means that people have already been caught out and that there are some really horrible people out there - hopefully people will heed the warning – Thank you,” one wrote.
Another advised: “If anyone asks for money online or by phone, letter, email from you to help them out DONT give it to them...it's your money, do not give your money away, do not give your money away!”
However, a third complained: “Vulnerable fans wouldn't be exploited if the BBC help guided tours of external set and studios now and then. #EastEnders”
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