Gloria Hunniford of Loose Women Issues Crucial Scam Warning After Losing £120,000
Gloria Hunniford, the esteemed 85-year-old presenter of BBC’s Rip Off Britain, recently revealed a troubling experience with a scam that led to a loss of £120,000. Hunniford shared her story to raise awareness about the risks associated with banking fraud.
Details of the Scam
The incident involved an impersonator who visited a Santander branch accompanied by two individuals posing as Hunniford’s daughter and grandson. This fraudulent activity resulted in the draining of £120,000 from her bank account.
Background of the Fraud
In 2016, following the death of her husband, Stephen Way, Hunniford learned that her account had been improperly accessed. A request was made by her husband at a different branch for him to be registered as a signatory on her account. Despite this, the bank allowed four people to take control of her account without proper verification.
- Impostor Actions: The impersonator produced a fake driving license to gain access.
- Withdrawn Amounts: Initially, £102,000 was taken, followed by an additional £18,000.
Bank’s Response
In response to the incident, a Santander spokesperson stated that they take fraud very seriously. They assured that once the fraudulent activity was identified, they alerted authorities and Hunniford, expressing their sympathy for the distress caused. Notably, the bank confirmed that Hunniford was fully reimbursed for her loss.
Preventive Measures
Following the incident, Santander claimed to have implemented significant improvements in their processes to prevent similar fraud in the future.
Hunniford’s Reflection on the Scam
Despite recovering the lost amount, Hunniford found it ironic that she, a presenter focused on educating the public about scams, became a victim herself. She remarked on the irony, stating, “I spend so much of my time teaching people not to be scammed, but then I couldn’t have done anything.”
Future Concerns
Gloria Hunniford expressed concerns about the potential increase in scamming incidents, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence technology. She emphasized the need for ongoing vigilance against such threats.
Personal Background
A familiar figure on television, Hunniford’s work gives her a sense of structure and purpose, especially after experiencing profound personal losses. She lost her daughter, Caron Keating, to cancer 21 years ago and her husband last year. Reflecting on her career, she stated that working helps her cope with grief and anxiety.
