Denise Welch has opened up about how she was scammed of thousands of pounds after making a huge error – and is warning others not to do the same

Denise Welch has been scammed of thousands of pounds after making a huge error – and is warning others not to do the same.

The Loose Women star has opened up about being scammed by a phone call, where she lost £2000 when she picked up the phone convinced she was talking to the Barclays fraud squad – but it was actually an impersonator.

Denise appeared on Good Morning Britain today, where she chatted to hosts Ranvir Singh and Ed Balls about her own experiences, hoping that it could help others and stop them going through something similar.

When asked what one thing people should have in their minds if they’re worried about this happening to them, Denise said: “In my opinion, do not give your information to anybody unless you can somehow be 100% sure. Ring them back. Anybody that’s calling you, even though you may have spoken to that person before, say, do you know something? You’ve called me.”

Denise chatted with Ed Balls and Ranvir Singh on Good Morning Britain today ( 
Image:
ITV)

Recalling what happened, Denise explained she was busy at the time she got the phone call and panicked.

She added: “It was a few years ago, it was pre pandemic, and I was rehearsing a show – Calendar Girls: The Musical. We weren’t supposed to look at our phones or take personal phone calls. We all have a sneaky look. And there was Barclays.

“I went out, took the phone call and they said, it’s the fraud squad. They said there was some fraudulent activity going on with your card, and we want to put a stop to it. And I had absolutely zero doubt that I was talking to the fraud department from my bank because it had come up under the headline of Barclays that I had put into my phone.”

Revealing how she was taken in by the man, she admitted it wasn’t until the fifth call when she made the mistake.

She explained: “I was talking to this chap called Michael. I remember him, he was obviously very personable. And I went through, over a series of about four phone calls, all of the information you are duly expected to give. It was my full name, my date of birth, my address and postcode and my mother’s maiden name – again, didn’t hesitate because it said Barclays.

“So over about four phone calls, Michael had become my best friend. He said it was taking a long time to do this because this was a fraud that was potentially going to be bigger than they thought. This is where anybody watching this will be shouting, well, that’s on you. How stupid of you. They then said, on about the fifth phone call, we’re going to have to ask for your four digit pin.”

“Now, even I know that you don’t give your pin away, but because I was talking to the fraud department at Barclays, I did. And the next day, I mentioned this to my husband, who went absolutely spare,” she recalled.