Christopher Biggins makes plea to GB News viewers after ‘frightening’ scam ordeal

"To begin with you feel frightened. You think, 'my God, what do I do?'," Biggins told viewers.

The actor described how the scammers, using a foreign voice, threatened to take money directly from his bank account if he didn't pay immediately.

Despite changing his phone number, Biggins said the persistent fraudsters still managed to contact him.

This warning comes amid a rising wave of scam attempts at the start of 2025, with fraudsters particularly targeting elderly and vulnerable people.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Reeves hits back at 'misogynistic and deeply unprofessional' nickname: 'I've been called worse'
• POLL OF THE DAY: As Trump gets tough - do you trust our PM to deport illegal migrants? - VOTE NOW
• Mayor of 'anti-car' council brags of driven in taxpayer-funded limo - 'Completely out of touch!'

According to Standard Bank's Athaly Khan, scammers are actively exploiting people's new year aspirations and financial goals.

Data from Action Fraud shows that people in their 80s are the most frequent targets of courier fraud, accounting for 43 per cent of all victims.]

Detective Sergeant Christopher Jacques of the Economic Crime Unit warns that "the fraudsters are extremely convincing and persistent," often resulting in victims losing thousands of pounds.

Scammers employ various tactics, including posing as police officers or bank officials to deceive victims into handing over money and valuables.

Victims are often told there are problems with their bank accounts and are asked to assist in catching criminals.

The fraudsters may convince people to withdraw cash, purchase euros, or hand over bank cards and PIN numbers for collection by couriers.

Some victims are even persuaded to purchase high-value items like gold and jewellery from legitimate retailers on behalf of the criminals.

"Police officers and bank officials will never ask you to withdraw money, purchase goods or hand over private banking details," DS Jacques emphasises.

Biggins strongly urged GB News viewers to ignore such suspicious calls. "Please ignore these phonecalls. Even if at the end of the day it's true where they collect the money legally, don't do anything," he warned.

Anyone who believes they are a victim of courier fraud should contact police on 101, using a different phone to the one used to communicate with the fraudsters.

Victims can also report incidents to Action Fraud via actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.

In emergencies or if a fraud is in progress, the public should call 999 immediately.