Identity Theft: Don’t Get Caught Out Channel 5 Premiere, Wednesday 28 February 2024

In the premiere of “Identity Theft: Don’t Get Caught Out,” airing on Channel 5 at 8:00 PM on Wednesday 28 February 2024, Alexis Conran takes a deep dive into the frightening world of identity theft and scams.

One of the alarming aspects explored in this episode is how criminals are leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to devise new and terrifying schemes. Alexis investigates the devious tactics used by scammers who can steal from you while standing right at your doorstep. The show also features a woman who shares her harrowing experience of having her social media accounts hijacked for scamming her friends.

To provide further insight, Alexis engages in an online conversation with Jen from Arizona, who fell victim to a particularly distressing scam. She was tricked into believing that her teenage daughter had been kidnapped after receiving a phone call where an AI-generated clone of her daughter’s voice played a pre-recorded message. On the verge of paying $50,000 in ransom, Jen’s husband intervened just in time to reveal that their child was safe and sound.

The episode highlights how easy it is for scammers to employ AI technology to clone someone’s voice using only a short recording. In one demonstration, tech expert Ax Sharma showcases how quickly he can create an AI clone of Alexis himself, capable of mimicking his voice perfectly.

Viewers will also hear Kamilla’s story, who encountered fraudsters right in front of her eyes. Posing as interested buyers for Kamilla’s top-of-the-range iPad, they faked electronic payment using a specially designed app but made off with more than £1000 worth of technology instead.

Abbie’s experience adds another layer to the dangers presented by identity theft. She lost control over her social media accounts and watched helplessly as scammers exploited intimate family photos to deceive others. One friend even fell victim to a bitcoin investment recommendation falsely attributed to Abbie, resulting in substantial financial loss.

As the episode progresses, Alexis and consumer expert Grace from Which? Magazine dissect a cunning scam involving air-fryers. This analysis provides valuable insights into the tactics used by scammers within a compact timeframe, all while preparing a batch of delicious chips.

Be sure to tune in to Channel 5 at 8:00 PM on Wednesday 28 February 2024 for “Identity Theft: Don’t Get Caught Out.”