Use BBC.com or the new BBC App to listen to BBC podcasts, Radio 4 and the World Service outside the UK.

Find out how to listen to other BBC stations

Episode details

Radio 4,11 Dec 2025,28 mins

The WhatsApp Takeover

Scam Secrets

Available for over a year

WhatsApp is part of our daily lives – and criminals know how to weaponise that trust. In this episode, Shari Vahl and the team hear how a devastatingly simple trick handed the keys for a Scam Secrets listener's WhatsApp account to a scammer. Along with expert linguist Dr Elisabeth Carter and former criminal Alex Wood, Shari finds out what the hacker did next - and how an old friend was tricked into handing over money. As ever, there will be red flags waving to show you what to watch out for - and essential tips from our guest expert to keep your account secure. PRESENTER: SHARI VAHL PRODUCER: TOM MOSELEY

Programme Website
More episodes