Helen Skelton was left feeling “really stupid” after she was conned into handing over £70,000 of her life savings.
The Countryfile star, 38, fell victim of an online scam back in 2019, after she’d answered a number of “security questions” over the phone when believing her bank had been on the other end of the line.
Working in partnership with Lloyd’s bank, Helen is now looking to stamp-out the same issue from happening to others as she fears for her children’s safety in the online world.
READ MORE: Countryfile’s Helen Skelton shares rare snap with children after ‘mum guilt’ confession
The mum-of-three, who shares sons Ernie, seven, Louis, five, and daughter Elsie, seven months, with her now ex-husband, Richie Myler, explained: “The notion of him chatting to his mates online scares me a bit.
“I don’t know that world and we’ve all heard plenty of things that could go wrong.”
(Image: Instagram/ @helenskelton)
In a discussion with LeedsLive the television personality went on to mention her misfortune, adding: “I mean, come on – even as adults it is so easy to fall victim to a fraudster.”
“I’ve done it – it has happened to me. It makes you feel really stupid. But it has happened to so many people who aren’t stupid.”
In a separate interview ITV’s Lorraine, Helen told the Scottish host: “I got phoned up by the bank, told something dodgy had been going on with my account.
(Image: Instagram)
“A week later, £70,000 had gone. All gone. And it was just a few questions over the phone.’
“You don’t question your bank…
“We’re not talking about little old ladies who are victims who don’t understand the internet, that’s a massively naïve assumption…
“I cried buckets when I realised. That money was meant to be for my children’s future. I was thinking of my kids, and about how I would have to work even more and not see them to try to get it back.”
(Image: Instagram/ @helenskelton)
For more of the latest showbiz news from Daily Star, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.
Meanwhile, after eight years of marriage Helen confirmed she and husband Richie had gone their separate ways, in an Instagram post she penned: “Very sad to say that Richie and I are no longer a couple.
“He has left the family home. We will be doing our best to co-parent our small children.”
The news came as quite a shock for all as the couple had welcomed their third child together just four months before the bombshell announcement.
Not long after, the rugby player went public with his girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill, 32, on social media but has always denied being unfaithful.
He told fans online, that the getaway with his new love was “worth the 32 year wait”.
READ NEXT:
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
