Linda Robson on the importance of beating online scammers after she was targeted

The Loose Women favourite was left shaken after thieves tried to get cash from her by claiming to be her daughter

Linda Robson
Linda Robson was targeted by crooks pretending to be her daughter asking for money(Image: Kate Green/Getty Images)

Linda Robson has issued a stark warning about the dangers of online scams – after she was tricked by thieves pretending to be her daughter

The Loose Women star, 66, was left shaken after being taken in by a “Hi Mum” text begging her to send emergency cash. Linda admitted it was terrifying how convincing the message was, mimicking her daughter’s language and using her family nickname of Bobbi Girl. And she urged people of her generation to educate themselves about staying safe online – insisting they must not ignore the risks of technology.

Linda recalled: “I was on Loose Women when I got a Whatsapp message from my daughter, saying: ‘I’ve dropped my phone down the toilet, can you send me some money?’ I rang her and then she texted me saying: ‘I can’t pick up the phone because it’s gone down the toilet.’ It sounded like it was my daughter, she was saying things we would say to each other, and used her nickname for her – Bobbi Girl.”

Linda Robson
Linda Robson is warning others to be vigilant of phone scammers after almost being caught out

Linda Robson and daughter Bobbie
Linda thought her daughter Bobbie was asking for money – but it was someone impersonating her(Image: WireImage)

Mum-of-three Linda said she was so convinced it was 28-year-old Bobbie that she was ready to transfer the cash. “I really thought it was true,” admitted Linda. “I would’ve sent the money the scammers wanted – £150 – because I was really worried she didn’t have any. Luckily one of the bosses on the show said to me: ‘I think you’re being scammed’. So I asked the person on the phone for the name of our dog. They said Gerald, and I said: ‘No, my dog’s called Dolly. So that’s when I knew I was being scammed.”

Linda says she was taken aback by how convincing the scam was. “I was quite shaken afterwards because it was scary how convincing it was,” she said. And it’s happening to more and more people now – friends of mine have been targeted and lost hundreds of pounds. I think everyone – but especially us older people – need to be aware of the risks. I’m 66 now, so I’m not as savvy as the younger people. We need to be really, really careful

Linda has now joined forces with BT Group to encourage people of her generation to learn digital skills together. She attended a free session hosted by BT Group’s charity partner AbilityNet in London helping to raise awareness around scams and staying safe online. The courses run in-person across the UK and online to teach over 65s how to spot scams and ways to avoid them.

Linda said: “It was so inspiring to see people in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s learning how to use their phones. There were about 25 of us, all asking questions and learning new things, from downloading apps to staying safe from online scams. It was a real eye-opener.” Offering her advice to ensure others aren’t caught out, she said: “If it doesn’t seem right, then it’s not right. I’ve spoken to the other Loose Women about this, and told lots of friends, because the scammers prey on the older generation. Younger people are more likely to see the red flags, so if I’m not sure about anything I run it past my kids, even my 12-year-old granddaughter. I’ve always been very trusting but it can be a scary world, and sometimes you need to be sceptical.”

Linda Robson
Linda joined a BT Group workshop to learn more about keeping safe online

Victoria Johnson, Social Impact Director at BT Group said: “Tackling the digital divide and driving social mobility is an integral part of BT Group’s purpose, Connect for Good, providing everyone with the skills and access they need to make the most of life at home and at work. By enabling the country to be more confident and independent online, we can create a diverse and inclusive digital society that works for all.”

It’s not the first time Linda has fronted an important campaign. The Birds of a Feather star fought to get smoking banned in cars, in memory of her dad who died of lung cancer. Working with the British Lung Foundation, she helped get the law passed and it was introduced in 2015.

Related Posts

Charles Leclerc Expresses Deep Concerns Over Ferrari’s Future After Lewis Hamilton Reveals Shocking Details About Their Struggles in the Belgian Grand Prix: Is Ferrari in Trouble? Here’s What Leclerc Thinks.

Charles Leclerc won his first F1 race with Ferrari at the 2019 Belgian Grand Prix, but the Monegasque is on alert for the 2025 round after speaking…

Christian Horner Has Just Shocked the F1 World by Acquiring an Entire Team – And His Plans for the Belgian Grand Prix Will Leave Everyone in Awe as He Looks to Settle Scores and Make a Massive Statement in the Upcoming Race!

The Formula 1 Power Play: Christian Horner’s Dramatic Exit and Potential Return Formula 1 is no stranger to the high-stakes drama that accompanies its races, but the…

Oscar Piastri Has Just Made A Shocking Statement About His Future with McLaren That Could Change Everything! Is He Really Leaving? Find Out What He Just Revealed That No One Expected!

The Future of Oscar Piastri: A Seismic Shift in Formula 1 Formula 1, known for its high-stakes drama and intense competition, is experiencing an unfolding story that…

Mercedes F1 team’s internal drama has been a hot topic for months, but Toto Wolff’s unexpected move for 2026 could be the game-changer everyone’s been waiting for. What does this decision mean for the team’s future, and how will it affect the ongoing battle for dominance in Formula 1?

Max Verstappen and the Mercedes Driver Market: A Look Ahead The 2025 Formula 1 driver market has been anything but quiet, with major implications for the future…

Max Verstappen Breaks Silence on Christian Horner’s F1 Exit: What Red Bull Won’t Tell You and the Shocking Truth Behind the Team’s Future – Why It All Matters Now More Than Ever.

The first media day ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix has been eventful, particularly for Red Bull Racing, who are undergoing a major organizational shift. With Christian…

Verstappen’s Shocking Talks With Mercedes Heat Up as Red Bull Faces Major Engine Crisis: Could the Champion Be Planning a Switch?

Max Verstappen’s Future with Red Bull: A New Era, a Questionable Path Forward Max Verstappen’s future with Red Bull Racing has been one of the most intriguing…