World of Secrets (BBC)

Episode: The Child Cancer Scam – Trailer

Release Date: December 10, 2025

Main Theme & Purpose

This trailer introduces the latest season of World of Secrets, a BBC investigative podcast, focusing on the global scam exploiting families of children with cancer. The show uncovers how fraudsters manipulate desperate parents into sharing videos of their sick children, promising fundraising support that never arrives. Instead, the money donated by sympathetic strangers is siphoned off, turning families’ vulnerability into profit and leaving children without the aid they need.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Emotional and Financial Toll on Parents

• The season opens with the devastating reality for parents whose child is diagnosed with cancer.
  • “We were lost. We didn't know what we were going to do. Our whole world crashed.” (E, 01:19)
  • The diagnosis is not just a medical crisis but a financial catastrophe:
    “We were faced with a very large bill. I really needed money for Khalil's treatment.” (E, 01:39)

2. False Hope: The International Fundraising Scam

• Parents, desperate for help, are approached by supposed international sponsors or charities with instructions:
  • “He just told us that the sponsor wasn't from around here and that all we would have to do is make a video to earn the money.” (E, 01:58)
• Families are asked to create heart-wrenching videos of their sick children, sometimes forced to make the child appear even more distressed for maximum effect.
  • “They rubbed menthol ointment on his face and put onions in front of his eyes so that he would fake cry.” (E, 02:25)
  • “Hello, my name is Khalil. I am seven years old and I have cancer. I'm in a hospital and it hurt me a lot.” (G, 02:06)

3. Broken Promises and Deception

• After the videos are made and circulated online, families never receive the promised donations.
  • “He told us it wasn't successful. So as I understood it, the video just didn't make any money.” (E, 02:37)
• However, the investigation reveals that these videos are successful in raising money—just not for the intended recipients.
  • “Millions of dollars appear to have been raised.” (D, 02:58)

4. Exploitation and Global Scale

• Investigative journalist Simi Jalaosho describes a coordinated, global exploitation network:
  • “With a team of journalists around the world, I've spent two years investigating the people involved in... Colombia, can I collect your passport? Ukraine, the Philippines and Israel.” (D, 03:14–03:43)
• There is persistent pressure on the families for more videos and photos, showing the dehumanizing and ongoing nature of the exploitation.
  • “Anita, tell your dad to send me more photos of you.” (F, 03:26)
  • “Why would you keep pushing for photos and videos? And why would you keep pushing a child.” (D, 03:29)

5. Personal Safety and Intimidation

• Some families report feeling unsafe or threatened during these interactions.
  • “I also got scared, like when he said, leave in 10 minutes or it's going to be a mess. I also felt like we need to go because this is not a safe environment for us.” (A, 03:46)

6. The Impact on Victims

• Children, already suffering, are further exploited and overlooked.
  • “They use Ana to raise funds for their own benefit, not for her.” (F, 03:59)
  • “We have no money for my treatment. I want to be a normal kid. I want to go to school. Please help me. Please.” (G, 04:04)

7. The Relentless Cycle—Parents Demand Answers

• The exploitation is systematic, described as a “conveyor belt” driven by constant demand.
  • “I hate to put it this way, but they work kind of like a conveyor belt. There is always a demand.” (A, 04:35)
• Parents are left angry and seeking justice:
  • “The point is, it's wrong. It's wrong and it has to stop. At some point, someone has to stop it.” (F, 04:44)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It's hard to imagine that people can really make money out of such tragedy.” (F, 03:09)
• “Children are being exploited when they're at their weakest.” (D, 03:55)
• “This opportunity comes only once, so let's make the most of it.” (F, 01:48)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:14 – 01:36: Parental reactions to cancer diagnosis and immediate crisis
• 01:56 – 02:22: Introduction to the scam and the making of the exploitative videos
• 02:32 – 02:58: Staged distress and the revelation that promised funds never arrive
• 02:58 – 03:14: Evidence that video campaigns are financially successful—but families are defrauded
• 03:14 – 03:43: Scope of the investigation and tactics of those running the scam
• 03:46 – 03:59: Family testimonials about fear and the feeling of being unsafe
• 04:17 – 04:44: Children’s helpless pleas and parents’ demands for justice

Tone and Style

The trailer is haunting and urgent, blending real voices of affected families with the investigative tone of the hosts and producers. It communicates both the deep emotional suffering caused by the scam and the global scale and organization of the exploitation network. The language is empathetic, direct, and determined, inviting listeners to bear witness and seek accountability.

Conclusion

World of Secrets: The Child Cancer Scam (premiering December 15) promises an investigative deep dive into an underexposed, heartbreaking scam targeting families in crisis. Through in-depth journalism and survivor stories, the podcast aims to illuminate the dark world of online fundraising exploitation—and give a voice to those fighting for justice.

Listen from December 15 on BBC Sounds.