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 walking out of a shop with hundreds of pounds of computer software for absolutely nothing, a backgammon hustle, and adding thousands to other people's mobile phone bills. 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.