0:00:02 > 0:00:05This is The Real Hustle - Celebrity Scammers.
0:00:05 > 0:00:12In this series, the hustlers carry out scams that are bigger, tougher and more devious than ever before.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14With the help of their celebrity friends,
0:00:14 > 0:00:18hustlers Alex, Jess and Paul
0:00:18 > 0:00:24pull off the riskiest scams of all - long cons.
0:00:24 > 0:00:30Intricate webs of lies and deception designed to separate the unwary from their money.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34On tonight's show,
0:00:34 > 0:00:38singer Jonathan Ansell falls over himself to become a hustler.
0:00:38 > 0:00:39- What on earth is... - CRASHING
0:00:39 > 0:00:41- BLEEP. Argh!- You all right?
0:00:41 > 0:00:44Paul is on cloud nine.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47There are no numbers in this.
0:00:47 > 0:00:48And these people find out why
0:00:48 > 0:00:51you shouldn't always believe men in suits.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53Oh, my God, I trusted them.
0:01:31 > 0:01:36The hustlers have invited celebrity friends to help them carry out their long cons.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38They'll be thrown in at the deep end,
0:01:38 > 0:01:42no training and no practice, just straight into the scam.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47This week's celebrity guest hustler is classically trained tenor
0:01:47 > 0:01:52and former member of pop-opera boy band G4, Jonathan Ansell.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57I haven't got a clue what to expect today.
0:01:57 > 0:01:59I am completely none the wiser to any of it.
0:01:59 > 0:02:04I've been told to come not like I normally dress, so no suit for me today.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07I'm in my hoodie, and I've got to mix into the background
0:02:07 > 0:02:09and we're going to see what happens.
0:02:10 > 0:02:16Jonathan has been told to go to a London cafe and wait for someone to tell him what to do.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23Excuse me, got the time?
0:02:23 > 0:02:25Yeah, nearly twenty five to one.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27- Alex is going to be here soon...- Uh-huh.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31- He's going to cast some people for a commercial, you're going to be lucky..- Uh-huh.
0:02:31 > 0:02:36- Just help him convince the others if he asks you.- OK. - Don't overdo it.- Thank you.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41With little information, and even less time to prepare,
0:02:41 > 0:02:45Jonathan needs to get his act together for The Audition.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51Jonathan's role is to help rope in some marks and persuade them
0:02:51 > 0:02:55to come to an acting audition Alex is holding later on.
0:02:57 > 0:02:58The con is on.
0:02:59 > 0:03:04- Hello, excuse me.- Hey.- Hi.
0:03:04 > 0:03:10Sorry to bother you, we're doing some open casting, some open auditions, it's for an advert for the States.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14- Right. - And we're doing a street casting so we're picking people off the street.
0:03:14 > 0:03:19- Where is it?- It's round the corner from here. Would you be free to come at about 3 o'clock?
0:03:19 > 0:03:21- I guess so. - Yes? It costs you nothing.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25- All right.- If you come, we put you on tape and if you get the part, you can make a lot of money.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28- Thanks.- Have you done anything like that before?
0:03:28 > 0:03:32- You haven't appeared in a future commercial or anything? - No, no.- No?
0:03:32 > 0:03:34- It'd be a nice break. - So Alex is a talent scout
0:03:34 > 0:03:36searching for ordinary-looking members of the public
0:03:36 > 0:03:39to star in a US TV commercial.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43Jonathan does his part by agreeing to come along to the audition.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47Sorry to interrupt. We're doing a street casting for a commercial...
0:03:47 > 0:03:49But will these potential marks be as keen?
0:03:49 > 0:03:51Pulling people off the street to audition.
0:03:51 > 0:03:56Just put you on videotape and, along with this gentleman here as well,
0:03:56 > 0:04:01and if you get the part, you end up making a lot of money because it's for the United States.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04- I'll see you there. - Yeah, cheers.
0:04:04 > 0:04:05- Brilliant.- Thanks.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08They've obviously got that star quality Alex is looking for.
0:04:11 > 0:04:12Oh, you get paid loads.
0:04:14 > 0:04:15It's worth it, isn't it?
0:04:18 > 0:04:23The marks are thrilled at their unexpected shot at fame and fortune,
0:04:23 > 0:04:25but Jonathan's job isn't over yet.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27- Hello, mate. Hello.- All right, hi.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30- Sorry to bother you. - The more the merrier for this scam.
0:04:30 > 0:04:31Cheers, man, thanks.
0:04:31 > 0:04:37Excuse me, ladies, we're doing a street casting for a commercial for the States...
0:04:37 > 0:04:40And once again, the bright lights of Hollywood are too temping.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42Yeah?
0:04:42 > 0:04:48These marks also jump at the chance of a trip to America and that starring role in a commercial.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52What time did he say?
0:04:52 > 0:04:57Jonathan takes the initiative and makes 100% sure the marks will turn up later.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00I'm going to check it out. I'll see you guys later, yeah?
0:05:00 > 0:05:02So far, so good.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07The auditions are due to start shortly, so Jonathan joins Alex and Paul
0:05:07 > 0:05:11as they make their way to the Hustle location.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14They're hoping the weather won't put off the marks.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18Jonathan's in the waiting room.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24- Hello.- And there's Jess doing the meeting and greeting.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26- All right, guys. - How you doing, all right?
0:05:26 > 0:05:31Yeah. Thought I'd come down. How you doing? All right, nice to see you again.
0:05:32 > 0:05:39It's a good turn out. All the marks are here, along with some others who have responded to Alex's flyers.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41Ben, are you ready to pop in?
0:05:42 > 0:05:44Time to get those auditions under way.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46Hi, Ben.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49Thanks for coming down. Have a seat.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53Now, I'm going to be chatting to you, but I want you to talk straight into camera,
0:05:53 > 0:05:55so forget the fact that I'm here.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57Pretend I'm the camera.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59So I'm going to throw some stuff at you.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04Don't be embarrassed. I might ask you to do some silly stuff, so just go for it. Is that cool?
0:06:04 > 0:06:06- Yes.- OK, well if I could ask you to stand up.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09Can we have a mid-size please, Jess?
0:06:09 > 0:06:11That's the one.
0:06:11 > 0:06:12Can you walk on the spot?
0:06:12 > 0:06:16To get the job, these guys need to demonstrate their acting skills.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19Be very happy. Very, very happy.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22Mmm, what am I going to have to eat tonight?
0:06:22 > 0:06:25OK. Oh, I'm going to have a nice, hot soup when I get there,
0:06:25 > 0:06:28and that makes you feel very, very good.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32Conveying these complex emotions is hard enough without some workmen
0:06:32 > 0:06:34bumbling straight through the middle of the audition.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37Can you not make sound please, mate?
0:06:37 > 0:06:40Because we're in the middle of recording. Thank you.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42Paul putting the ladder right there
0:06:42 > 0:06:46is just asking for someone to have an accident.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48You need to open the fridge. There's no soup.
0:06:50 > 0:06:56Oh, what am I going to have for dinner? And now you remember your neighbour is having a roast dinner.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01When I clap my hands, I just want you to freeze, OK?
0:07:01 > 0:07:03ALEX CLAPS
0:07:03 > 0:07:06Now strike a very, very happy pose, ready?
0:07:06 > 0:07:08ALEX CLAPS
0:07:08 > 0:07:11That's great. Now, I want you to just strike a powerful pose.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13Ready? And...
0:07:13 > 0:07:14ALEX CLAPS
0:07:14 > 0:07:17OK. Great, Ben. I know it was a bit weird...
0:07:17 > 0:07:20Alex is impressed with the awesome talent he's seen so far,
0:07:20 > 0:07:25- but there's one more hopeful left in the waiting room.- Tim...
0:07:25 > 0:07:29To make the scam seem believable, Jonathan also needs to audition.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33Walk on the spot, so you're walking on the spot, walking down the street.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37OK, and you're feeling very sad.
0:07:37 > 0:07:43Not only that, the marks listening in the waiting room need to get the impression he's an acting virtuoso.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47That's good. Just thinking, "What am I going to have to eat?"
0:07:47 > 0:07:52- Good. OK.- Well done. - If you wait outside.- All right.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54Guys, can we have you all in please?
0:07:54 > 0:07:56The waiting is over.
0:07:56 > 0:08:02All the hopefuls get called back into the room to be told who will be the face of this big-money campaign.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05Thanks, everyone, for coming.
0:08:05 > 0:08:10There are a few commercials happening, one of which is this one, the Yum Gums one,
0:08:10 > 0:08:13which is going to be the next big sort of product to hit the States.
0:08:13 > 0:08:19For this one, Tim, we know that we want to get you back on.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23Alex and Jess have chosen Jonathan, or Tim, as the marks know him,
0:08:23 > 0:08:27so it sounds like the others have wasted all that time and effort.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30- In fact, because I need you to come back...- Yes.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34In about half hour, 40 minutes, do you want to go off, do what you have to do?
0:08:34 > 0:08:39Jonathan leaves, triumphant, but this is his big moment.
0:08:39 > 0:08:44The whole scam rests on what happens when he walks through that door.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47Thanks again and I'll see you in about 45 minutes.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49- Thanks very much. - So what I want you...
0:08:49 > 0:08:51- Because suddenly... - CRASHING
0:08:51 > 0:08:53Argh, BLEEP, argh!
0:08:53 > 0:08:56- Oh, my God.- Argh. - You all right? Hello?
0:08:56 > 0:08:59Oh, my... Are you all right?
0:08:59 > 0:09:02The ladder. God.
0:09:02 > 0:09:03Did you trip over the ladder?
0:09:03 > 0:09:06- Hang on, excuse me. - Oh, my God. OK, OK, get in, get in.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09OK, oh, oh, oh. Do you want to take him out the back?
0:09:09 > 0:09:11Disaster.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15Star auditionee Jonathan looks like he's seriously injured.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17There's blood gushing from his head.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20Come on, no, no, take him back, take him back.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22Jess will have to take him to casualty.
0:09:22 > 0:09:28One thing's for sure - he can't be in a toothpaste commercial with a big gash on his forehead.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30Yes, yes, no, it's just...
0:09:30 > 0:09:33Everyone is shaken up, but with Jonathan out of the picture,
0:09:33 > 0:09:37that means everyone else is back in the running for the job.
0:09:37 > 0:09:38He must have gone over the ladder.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42And that's exactly what the hustlers were planning.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45Before the auditions started,
0:09:45 > 0:09:48Alex told Jonathan exactly what he had to do.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50So Paul's going to bring this ladder in.
0:09:50 > 0:09:55All right, this is going to be left open like that
0:09:55 > 0:10:00- and inside, there is a sponge that's got lots of stage blood. - Uh-huh.- Ready.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03It was down to him to use the blood-soaked sponge
0:10:03 > 0:10:07and cause a mighty racket at exactly the right moment.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09- Thanks very much. - So what I want you to...
0:10:11 > 0:10:13Argh, BLEEP, argh!
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- Argh.- You all right? Hello? Oh, my...
0:10:16 > 0:10:18Come here.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22There was no doubt there'd been a catastrophe.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26Guys, do watch your step on the way out because there's a bit of blood on the floor.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30That idiotic builder!
0:10:30 > 0:10:35What I'm going to have to do is I'm going to ask you guys to come back and see the producer
0:10:35 > 0:10:40because you're all good for this commercial and if he decides you get the job,
0:10:40 > 0:10:44you've got it and we'll have to let you know by today because it shoots very quickly.
0:10:44 > 0:10:50Alex arranges for the remaining auditionees to come back later and meet the commercial's producer.
0:10:50 > 0:10:57Somebody in this room will get very lucky later on today, but it won't be any of the marks.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02I'm extremely happy with what I've seen.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05It's up to you if you want to take it.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20When hustlers go out, they don't bring money.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22- They go armed with prop bets.- Right.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26But a prop bet only has one rule...
0:11:26 > 0:11:30- Do you give up?- ..And that's that the hustler always wins.- Oh!
0:11:30 > 0:11:32- Ah!- Drinks, please.
0:11:32 > 0:11:33Oh, no.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36We need six of these.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39One, two, three, four, five, six, yeah?
0:11:39 > 0:11:41One, two, three, four, five, six.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43Plus five...
0:11:46 > 0:11:49We can get rid of these.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51So there's six here, plus five.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54You've got to make nine and use all the matches.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- Six plus five is?- 11.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00The benefits of education!
0:12:00 > 0:12:01Yeah, you were like...
0:12:01 > 0:12:03I ran out of fingers.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06So to get out of buying Paul a drink,
0:12:06 > 0:12:11his new friends have to add five matches to six and make nine.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14Something doesn't add up.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16- Make nine?- Make nine?- Yeah.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- I know.- You know this one? Oh, wait.- No, I don't!
0:12:23 > 0:12:27Can we put them on top of each other like this?
0:12:27 > 0:12:31There'll still be two there, though. Are you going to make the number nine?
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- Yes.- A guy did that this morning. There are no numbers in this.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- Oh. All right. No. - We could just take some away.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40But they've all got to be in place.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43See, I made the rules so I just...
0:12:43 > 0:12:45I haven't got a clue.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48It's a toughie.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50- All right, shall I show you? - Yes. Yes.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52Remember what I said, you've got six matches -
0:12:52 > 0:12:56one, two, three, four, five, six...
0:12:56 > 0:12:58and you've got five more.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00- Yeah.- And you're not allowed to make a number nine.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06- It was a good guess, though. - Trying to be a bit clever, yes.
0:13:06 > 0:13:07I didn't say anything about letters.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11- Ah!- Ah!
0:13:13 > 0:13:17All right, and I think you'll find that spells...
0:13:17 > 0:13:19- Very good, very good.- Very good.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- How's that? That definitely makes nine.- Very clever.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25Once you know how, it's easy.
0:13:25 > 0:13:30Paul just spells out the word "nine" using all 11 matches in the process.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32Now, we did say that was for a bottle.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34I'll have to run out to the cashpoint. Yes.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38Why don't you give me the card and the PIN number, I'll go?
0:13:50 > 0:13:56Another day, another suburban neighbourhood that's getting a little visit from the hustlers,
0:13:56 > 0:14:02but the residents should be on their guard, because they're about to become the target of...
0:14:02 > 0:14:04The Telecoms Con.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12DOORBELLS RING
0:14:12 > 0:14:14Hello there, Mr Khan?
0:14:14 > 0:14:17Good afternoon. We're from the Fraud Protection Office.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19We're from the Fraud Protection Office.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22They certainly know a thing or two about fraud.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- Nothing to be alarmed about, I'm here with my colleague.- Hiya.
0:14:26 > 0:14:31One of the major stores around here has been compromised, their systems have been compromised.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34People have been collecting credit card information.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- Do you use your credit card in one of the local stores?- Yeah, I do.
0:14:38 > 0:14:43They've found that a great number of credit cards have been found on a terminal that an employees has.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47It sounds like there's been a spate of credit card fraud in the area, and apparently,
0:14:47 > 0:14:52these residents have their names on a list of possible victims.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55They've given us your name and a lot of your neighbours as well.
0:14:55 > 0:15:00So all they want you to do is to make sure that they're not on the register that they've collected.
0:15:00 > 0:15:05What we're trying to prevent is people's details coming out and being on sale on the internet.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09The marks are obviously concerned about criminals running up debt in their name.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11If you could give them a quick call...
0:15:11 > 0:15:15The hustlers advise them to make a phone call and check their card details are secure.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18Would you be able to give them a call as soon as possible?
0:15:18 > 0:15:23The longer you leave it, the more your credit card is at risk.
0:15:23 > 0:15:28Don't worry about charges. So long as you register, you won't be liable for anything
0:15:28 > 0:15:29but it's important you register.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32They'll let you know whether you're in any risk.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34Thank you, have a good evening.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38The residents are all grateful for the tip-off. So where's the catch?
0:15:38 > 0:15:41Why are the hustlers handing out all this helpful advice?
0:15:43 > 0:15:45When they told them to make the phone call,
0:15:45 > 0:15:49they helpfully gave them a number of a credit card task force
0:15:49 > 0:15:52set up to handle this spate of fraud.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55What we'd like you to do is just call the number.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58But that number is a direct line to losing all their money...
0:15:58 > 0:16:01because it goes straight through to Jess.
0:16:01 > 0:16:07She's been in the Hustle van the whole time, waiting for her phone to start ringing.
0:16:08 > 0:16:14She's even brought along call centre sound effects to add that final touch of authenticity.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16BACKGROUND CHATTER
0:16:16 > 0:16:19It's not long before the worried marks hit the phones,
0:16:19 > 0:16:22wanting to check their cards and put their minds at rest.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24Hello, credit card hotline.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26'Hi, good evening.'
0:16:26 > 0:16:30The callers have no idea that they're speaking to one of the hustlers
0:16:30 > 0:16:32sitting in a van at the end of their road.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34It's several cards.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37Several cards. I can run a check on all of those for you.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41Jess is happy to check as many cards as this caller can lay her hands on.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44Can I just please take your full name and date of birth?
0:16:44 > 0:16:49OK, can I just take the long digit number of the first card, the one on the front?
0:16:50 > 0:16:54- Lovely.- 'And expiry date is...'
0:16:54 > 0:16:57Finally, can I have the three digit security number on the back of your card, please?
0:16:57 > 0:16:58'Yes, it's...'
0:16:58 > 0:16:59It's as easy as that.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03What started out as a safety tip from two protection officers
0:17:03 > 0:17:07has turned into a seriously bad day for these marks.
0:17:07 > 0:17:12We told them they'd just given their credit card details to hustlers.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14They got all my details.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17Two card details I gave to them because I trusted them.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19I actually thought...
0:17:19 > 0:17:22Oh, my God, I trusted them!
0:17:22 > 0:17:25I looked at their badges first so then I went in
0:17:25 > 0:17:28and I called quickly because it was going to close,
0:17:28 > 0:17:30and I went through four of my cards.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32I feel so stupid. Oh, my God.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35I usually wouldn't... Oh, my God!
0:17:35 > 0:17:41The hustlers got hold of this sensitive information by setting up a fake credit card hotline,
0:17:41 > 0:17:45but they were actually trying to demonstrate a massive security risk.
0:17:45 > 0:17:51Criminals can listen to certain phone calls, even if you're calling your own bank.
0:17:51 > 0:17:56Now, the way we've done this scam is we've obviously conned someone into calling us
0:17:56 > 0:18:01so that we can get their details, but there's a way of monitoring calls without people's knowledge
0:18:01 > 0:18:07and completely from the outside and it uses digital cordless phones, the type all of us use in this country.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10It works like this, you have a PC with a special card
0:18:10 > 0:18:16that's been designed to monitor the air looking for conversations between this type of technology.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18Now when it spots it, it adds it to the list,
0:18:18 > 0:18:21we've got quite a lot here. In fact, we've got hundreds.
0:18:21 > 0:18:26We can't listen in to these conversations because it's so illegal we would be breaking the law
0:18:26 > 0:18:29and we'd be liable to arrest. If we were willing to listen to them,
0:18:29 > 0:18:35what we'd do is simply save it as a wave file, a sound file on the disc, and listen to it later.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39What we could also do is set the computer to actually monitor certain numbers.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43Once we've got the ID code for the base station, we can simply monitor
0:18:43 > 0:18:47every call that they make, whether it's to the bank or a private call between two people.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49If you do have to make a phone call to your bank,
0:18:49 > 0:18:53or any other organisation that requires you to pass on sensitive information,
0:18:53 > 0:18:56then try and avoid using a digital cordless phone.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00Use a phone that's plugged directly into a wall socket.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03That way, you and your money can stay safe.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16Earlier today, singer Jonathan Ansell helped the hustlers
0:19:16 > 0:19:18persuade some marks to come to an audition.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23They gave it their all, performing for director Alex,
0:19:23 > 0:19:26but Jonathan was ultimately chosen for the high-paying role.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32- Argh!- Until an unfortunate accident involving a ladder
0:19:32 > 0:19:34put an end to his acting career
0:19:34 > 0:19:41and meant all the marks were back in the running for this dream job, in The Audition Part II.
0:19:41 > 0:19:46It's a couple of hours later and the remaining hopefuls are back for the recall auditions.
0:19:48 > 0:19:54First up is Ben, who gets his chance to meet the big boss, producer Paul.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56Hiya Ben, thanks for coming back.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58This is Rob. Ben, Rob, Rob, Ben.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00How are you? Nice to meet you.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03Can you just stand on the X-spot?
0:20:03 > 0:20:08So I don't know how much you know about what's happened with us. We had somebody perfect earlier
0:20:08 > 0:20:11and there was an accident...
0:20:11 > 0:20:14He's had about seven stitches but he's fine.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17That idiot of a builder that we had left there...
0:20:17 > 0:20:22Yes. We're very keen to see what you can do. Why don't you let Ian walk you through the scene?
0:20:22 > 0:20:26You know, try not to be conscious of the camera, give it your best.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29Alex talks Ben through the storyboard for the commercial.
0:20:29 > 0:20:34It's for Yum Gums, the world's first edible toothpaste.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37OK, so put the pillow back on the chair and we'll do it from the top.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40Time for Ben to show just what he's made of.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45And ring ring, ring ring.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47Bit of yawning, bit of stretching.
0:20:47 > 0:20:52Good. You're a bachelor, you don't care. Yes, that's it.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54Go to the kitchen first.
0:20:59 > 0:21:04- Perfect.- God, I've really got to eat but I've got to go brush my teeth now and get ready for work.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11And go to the mirror. There's the realisation that,
0:21:11 > 0:21:14"Hang on a minute, I can just eat that."
0:21:18 > 0:21:22- That's perfect.- Very good.- Yes, go on, finish off the tube, you like it so much. Brilliant.
0:21:22 > 0:21:27And now the walk, give us the walk to camera.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29Yes!
0:21:29 > 0:21:32Brilliant. Brilliant, that's very good.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34- Very good. - There's no doubt in Paul's mind...
0:21:34 > 0:21:38this is the acting talent he's looking for.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42We're looking for someone to come out for one week to two weeks in January.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44The whole thing would be done in LA.
0:21:44 > 0:21:50We would pay you an engagement fee, just to engage your services, of around £2,000.
0:21:50 > 0:21:55We'd then pay you, the fee is 50,000 less the £2,000.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59There are also residual fees on the back end as the commercial is used round the world,
0:21:59 > 0:22:03so you could be looking at making a fair-sized amount of money.
0:22:03 > 0:22:10Paul is offering him a once in a lifetime job that'll earn him a minimum of 50,000.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12Now to just sort out the formalities.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15When does your US visa expire?
0:22:19 > 0:22:20Do you have a US visa?
0:22:22 > 0:22:23Have you ever worked in the US?
0:22:23 > 0:22:26And there's the catch.
0:22:26 > 0:22:31In order to film the commercial in LA, the mark needs a US work visa.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35For the second time today, that dream job could be snatched out of his hands.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37I'm probably going to need to speak to Johnny.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41Yes, I can get him on, he's in the office in LA, isn't he?
0:22:41 > 0:22:43They call up their British lawyer in LA.
0:22:43 > 0:22:48Maybe there's some way round this deal breaker of a problem.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- Our company has...- Johnny. - 'Hello?'- Can I see up here please?
0:22:51 > 0:22:53Yes, yes, yes.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58- There you go.- Yes, how are you?
0:22:58 > 0:23:00I'm good. You?
0:23:00 > 0:23:03- Good.- But that's no lawyer and he's not in LA.
0:23:03 > 0:23:08It's Jonathan, ready to play his final and most important role in this scam.
0:23:08 > 0:23:14If he gets recognised as a fellow auditionee, the scam is over.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17As you know, we'd a bit of a disaster, we've got that kid who hurt himself...
0:23:17 > 0:23:19Ah, yes.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23We have another candidate who has the look that they're looking for
0:23:23 > 0:23:25but we just found out he doesn't have a US visa.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29How do we get the visa in time for this shoot in January?
0:23:29 > 0:23:31Well, there are forms to be filled out.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33We need to ensure he has a valid passport
0:23:33 > 0:23:40and then there are fees involved, I think £500 for the visa itself and all of the documentation.
0:23:40 > 0:23:46So the mark could still get his dream gig if an emergency visa can be sorted out straight away.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50I don't want Ben to be out of pocket.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52Can we cover those fees for him?
0:23:52 > 0:23:56Of course. The only issue is we need to have the money wired from his account
0:23:56 > 0:23:57to make it a valid application,
0:23:57 > 0:24:01otherwise there's all sorts of issues with fraudulency,
0:24:01 > 0:24:05but we'll pay him directly back for all of the admin costs.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09The bad news is he has to cough up £500 of the processing fee,
0:24:09 > 0:24:17but the good news is that he'll get that money straight back, in addition to a £2,000 advance.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21OK, so if I give Ben the forms, he takes them home
0:24:21 > 0:24:25and then I send a courier round tomorrow morning, will that do?
0:24:25 > 0:24:28As long as we have the money in movement for transfer straight away.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30Ben, are you serious about this?
0:24:32 > 0:24:33How would you pay?
0:24:36 > 0:24:37All right, let's do that.
0:24:37 > 0:24:42Producer Paul gives him and his mate as long as they need to get the money together.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46To put the pressure on further,
0:24:46 > 0:24:48Paul has a cheque for two and a half thousand pounds.
0:24:48 > 0:24:53All he needs now is that cash in return.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57- How can he refuse?- So, you know, I'm making the offer to you now...
0:24:57 > 0:25:00It's up to you if you want to take it.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08This is, when you write your biography, this is the story so...
0:25:08 > 0:25:12The mark wants the job.
0:25:12 > 0:25:19He gives Alex £500 and receives the visa forms and a cheque for two and a half grand.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22Right, if I could ask you guys, on your way out,
0:25:22 > 0:25:27don't mention anything about getting the part, because I need to audition them anyway, just as a courtesy.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31- Yes, they've been waiting. - They've been waiting. Great. - Ben, a real pleasure.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34No wonder the hustlers asked him to be discrete,
0:25:34 > 0:25:39because they pulled the exact same scam on others left in the waiting room.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42- I'm extremely happy with what I've seen.- Rob...
0:25:42 > 0:25:47They all did their best in the audition and amazingly, all got offered the job.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49- Yes, brilliant, good.- Perfect.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52- Can you hear me, Jonathan?- Yes.
0:25:52 > 0:25:57For some marks, it was all moving too fast and they didn't go for it.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59I'm sorry you've made the wrong choice.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01It was very nice to meet you.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05But some of the others were happy to hand over the considerable visa fee.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07Great, OK.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11In return for a fake cheque and a promise of fame and fortune.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13Really nice to meet you. I'm so happy we found you today.
0:26:14 > 0:26:21A guy came up to us, invited us for a casting here today and I got the part.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23I'd to hand over a £500 fee.
0:26:23 > 0:26:28That's for the passport documentation and give me a cheque to say,
0:26:28 > 0:26:32like, to give me my money back and obviously the £2,000 in advance.
0:26:32 > 0:26:37For the visa, it was £500 and I gave them my card details to take that off.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39But they did all get a cheque.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41- Look there. - All the documentation's there.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44Let me see it.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46Does it look fake?
0:26:46 > 0:26:49No, he's got his... Oh, my God! That's...
0:26:49 > 0:26:51It does look a bit funny though.
0:26:51 > 0:26:55It was 500 quid cash so to anyone else it might be little
0:26:55 > 0:26:57but to us it's a lot of money sort of thing,
0:26:57 > 0:26:59so losing that, it's just a big kick in the teeth, isn't it?
0:26:59 > 0:27:03So how did Jonathan feel about shattering people's dreams?
0:27:03 > 0:27:06It was a real weird thing. When the money was handed over by
0:27:06 > 0:27:13the two guys and he literally handed over £500 cash and you're sat there knowing that this is a complete lie.
0:27:13 > 0:27:17You could have hundreds of people coming through in a few days and do the same con on them
0:27:17 > 0:27:21and yes, shocking that that could actually happen to people and that they believed it.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28This is a very common scam that preys on actors, musicians or models.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31You're asked to go to a free audition and then told that
0:27:31 > 0:27:37you're in the running for a huge commercial or a modelling contract and then comes a request for money,
0:27:37 > 0:27:43whether it's agency fees or modelling portfolio costs, or in this case a foreign work visa.
0:27:45 > 0:27:50A genuine casting agency may well approach an individual in the street if they've got the right look.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54But the difference in the process will be that they will never ask for money.
0:27:54 > 0:28:01If somebody asks you for money in those circumstances just walk away, phone the police - it's a con.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:28:23 > 0:28:26E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk