BBC probes fraud show ‘actors’

The BBC is investigating claims that actors were hired to impersonate fraud victims on its television show The Real Hustle.

The programme produced by Objective Productions for BBC Three, is described on the broadcaster’s own website as one featuring a team of hustlers as they “try out some notorious scams on members of the public”.

It states the participants featured have either been set up by friends or relatives, or believe that they are taking part in another television programme.

It added the aim was to reveal how scams work so that the viewer could avoid being ripped off by the same con.

Allegations detailed in The Mail on Sunday revealed some actors and extras had claimed they were used and even paid to participate in the show.

A BBC spokesman said: “It is of paramount importance to the BBC that our audiences are not misled by the programmes we broadcast.

“We will examine any alleged breaches of our editorial standards relating to The Real Hustle as a matter of urgency and will take appropriate action if required.”

In a statement, Objective Productions said: “Objective Productions categorically deny that The Real Hustle has ever briefed the ‘marks’ or victims of the hustles about the true nature of the scam before the event. All the people on the show have been hustled for real and their reactions are genuine.

“We have never employed an actor as a ‘mark’, briefed them in advance and asked them to fake their initial reaction to the scam.

“Occasionally, because of for example, equipment problems, we have had to reshoot short elements of the set-up after the hustle has been completed and that can involve giving some direction to the ‘marks’ to ensure that the footage matches, however it is completely untrue to say that any ‘mark’ was an actor who was fully briefed in advance and paid to act as though they had been hustled.”