A team of hustlers try out some notorious scams on members of the public, filmed with hidden cameras and intercut with actual interviews from fraud protection experts, police and scam victims. Scams include selling a wallet full of fake money for a fistful of real cash, flogging useless products to tourists, taking bags from hotel guests and winning free drinks by using proposition bets on some unsuspecting customers in a bar.

The participants featured in The Real Hustle have either been set up by their family and friends or believe that they are participating in another television programme. After they have been hustled for real any monies or property taken during the hustle are returned to them and their consent for the item to be broadcast is obtained so that viewers can avoid being ripped off by the same scam. Show less