How Can I Report a Scam? What Should I Do?
71% of UK scam victims don't report the crime. Here's exactly who to contact, what to do in the first hour, and how reporting helps catch criminals.
If you've been scammed — or think you might have been — acting quickly is essential. The first few hours can make the difference between recovering your money and losing it for good.
Yet 71% of UK scam victims don't report the crime (CIFAS/GASA, 2024). Many feel embarrassed, or believe nothing will happen. But reporting matters — it helps banks trace funds, enables law enforcement to build cases, and protects others from the same criminals.
What to do immediately
In the first hour
1. Contact your bank Call your bank immediately using the number on the back of your card. Tell them you believe you've been a victim of fraud. They can:
- Attempt to freeze or recover the payment
- Flag the receiving account
- Begin a fraud investigation
Since October 2024, new PSR rules require banks to reimburse APP fraud victims up to £85,000 within 5 business days for eligible claims.
2. Stop all communication with the scammer Don't reply to any further messages. Don't click any more links. Screenshot everything before blocking them.
3. Secure your accounts If you've shared any login details, passwords, or personal information:
- Change your passwords immediately
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Check your email for any suspicious login alerts
Within 24 hours
4. Report to Action Fraud Action Fraud is the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.
- Phone: 0300 123 2040
- Website: actionfraud.police.uk
- Online reporting: Available 24/7
You'll receive a crime reference number, which you'll need for any bank claims or insurance claims.
5. Report to the platform If the scam happened on a specific platform:
- Facebook Marketplace: Report the listing and the user's profile
- eBay: Use the Resolution Centre
- Gumtree/Vinted: Use the in-app reporting tools
- WhatsApp: Report and block the number
6. Forward scam texts to 7726 If you received a scam text message, forward it to 7726 (free). This reports the number to your mobile operator.
7. Forward scam emails to the NCSC Send suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. The National Cyber Security Centre investigates and takes down malicious websites.
Who else to contact
| Situation | Contact | |---|---| | Lost money via bank transfer | Your bank + Action Fraud | | Credit card fraud | Your card provider (Section 75 claim) | | Identity theft | CIFAS (cifas.org.uk) for protective registration | | Investment scam | FCA (fca.org.uk/scamsmart) | | Pension scam | The Pensions Regulator | | Online marketplace scam | The platform + Action Fraud | | Ongoing harassment or threats | Police (101, or 999 if immediate danger) |
What happens when you report?
When you report to Action Fraud:
- Your report is assessed by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB)
- Cases are analysed for links to known criminal networks
- If there's enough evidence, cases are passed to a local police force for investigation
- Your report contributes to intelligence even if your individual case isn't investigated
In the year to April 2025, reports via the 7726 service led to 27,000 scams being removed.
Why reporting matters
- It helps your bank process your claim for reimbursement
- It builds evidence against repeat offenders
- It enables platforms to remove scam listings faster
- It protects other potential victims
- It feeds into national intelligence on fraud trends
Prevent it happening again
The best protection against scams is verification. Before your next payment, check who you're really paying.
WhoAmIPaying verifies bank accounts, company details, VAT numbers, and online reviews in under 30 seconds. Prevention is always better than recovery.