How to Report a Scam to Action Fraud UK
Complete 2026 guide — online, by phone, what to expect, and when to use a different reporting route.
What Is Action Fraud?
Action Fraud is the UK national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. It is run by the City of London Police — the national policing lead for fraud. You report to them, and they either investigate or pass your case to the right local force or national unit.
- Online shopping fraud (goods never arrived, fake websites)
- Phishing emails, texts (smishing), and phone calls (vishing)
- Romance scams and dating fraud
- Investment and crypto scams
- Advance fee fraud (you paid a fee to release a larger sum)
- Identity theft and identity fraud
- Computer viruses, ransomware, malware attacks
- Social media and email hacking
- Ticket fraud (concerts, flights, events)
- CEO fraud and business email compromise
- Report a crime that is already being investigated by your local police
- Terrorism-related concerns (call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321)
- General non-fraud crimes (theft of physical property, assault — call 101 instead)
📱 Method 1: Report Online (Recommended)
Fastest way. Takes 15–20 minutes. You get a crime reference number instantly by email.
Opens in a new tab. Available 24/7.
Step-by-step online:
- Go to: actionfraud.police.uk and click "Report Fraud"
- Your details: Full name, date of birth, address, email, phone number
- Incident details: What happened, when, where, how much you lost
- Suspect details: Any names, phone numbers, email addresses, website URLs, bank details of the scammer
- Supporting evidence: You can upload screenshots, emails, bank statements, receipts
- Review and submit: Check everything, tick the declaration, and submit
- Get your reference: You will receive a crime reference number by email within minutes. Keep it — you will need it for your bank, insurer, or the Ombudsman.
- Your ID (passport or driving licence handy)
- Bank statements showing the fraudulent transactions
- Emails, texts, or screenshots of the scam
- Any names, numbers, addresses, or accounts the scammer used
- The exact amount you lost and date(s) of payment
📞 Method 2: Report by Phone
If you cannot report online, or prefer to speak to someone, call the Action Fraud contact centre.
What to say when you call:
The operator will ask for the same information as the online form. They will give you a crime reference number over the phone and follow up by email if you provide one.
Action Fraud phone lines can get busy, especially after high-profile scam warnings. If you cannot get through, use the online form — it is available 24/7 and reaches the same team.
🤔 Which Reporting Route Should You Use?
Not every scam goes through Action Fraud. Here is when to use each route.
| Situation | Report To | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You transferred money to a scammer | Your bank FIRST, then Action Fraud | Bank must try to recall the funds. APP fraud reimbursement rules apply. |
| Phishing email or text (no money lost) | Forward to 7726 (free) or [email protected] (NCSC) | Helps takedown scam sites. Action Fraud is for victims, not just reports. |
| Fake website or online shop | Action Fraud (especially if you lost money), plus NCSC for the URL | Action Fraud logs the crime; NCSC can get the site taken down. |
| Identity theft (someone used your details) | Action Fraud + Cifas Protective Registration | Action Fraud logs the crime. Cifas flags your credit file to prevent further fraud. |
| Romance scam (catfishing, fake profile) | Action Fraud + dating platform + your bank if money sent | Report to the platform to get the profile removed. Action Fraud for investigation. |
| Crypto scam (investment fraud) | Action Fraud + FCA (if the platform is not registered) | Action Fraud logs it. FCA may warn others or investigate the platform. |
| Your email or social media was hacked | Action Fraud + platform (Google/Facebook/Instagram support) | Action Fraud for the crime record. Platform to secure your account. |
| Crime in progress, immediate danger | 999 (do not use Action Fraud) | Always 999 for emergencies. |
🔍 What Happens After You Report
You will get a crime reference number within minutes (online) or on the call (by phone). Save it — banks, insurers, and the Ombudsman will ask for it.
Your report goes to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB). They assess whether the case can be investigated, whether it connects to other reports, and whether there is enough evidence. Most reports are filed for intelligence rather than investigation.
If the NFIB decides to investigate, the case is sent to your local police force or to the National Crime Agency (for major fraud). You will be assigned a crime officer and given a new local crime number.
Even if your individual case is not investigated, your report helps the NFIB build a picture of current scams. This leads to warnings, takedowns, and public alerts that protect others.
- Crime reference: Instant (online) or same day (phone)
- NFIB assessment: Typically 2–6 weeks
- Local police investigation: Varies widely — some cases progress within weeks, others are filed as intelligence only
- Financial recovery: Your bank should respond within 5 business days for APP fraud claims (separate from Action Fraud)
📌 Quick Reference — All Reporting Numbers
| Service | Number / Link | For |
|---|---|---|
| Action Fraud | 0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.uk | All fraud and cybercrime reporting |
| Report phishing to NCSC | [email protected] | Forward scam emails and texts to help takedown scam infrastructure |
| Forward SMS to 7726 | 7726 (free) or 60599 | Report scam texts to your mobile provider |
| Police (non-emergency) | 101 or police.uk | Non-fraud crimes, report after the fact |
| Cifas Protective Registration | cifas.org.uk | Identity theft — flag your credit file (£25 for 2 years) |
| Financial Ombudsman | 0800 023 4567 or financial-ombudsman.org.uk | Escalate if your bank rejects your fraud claim |
| FCA Warning List | fca.org.uk/warning-list | Check if a financial firm is authorised before you invest |
| Emergency | 999 | Crime in progress, immediate danger |
Action Fraud Will NOT Call You
Scammers often pretend to be from Action Fraud. Action Fraud will never call you out of the blue, ask for your bank details, or demand payment. If someone calls claiming to be from Action Fraud, hang up and report it to Action Fraud.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Not strictly, but it helps. Banks often ask for the crime reference number when processing APP fraud claims. Report to your bank immediately — do not wait for Action Fraud first — but do both.
Yes. Crimestoppers (0800 555 111) runs a fully anonymous reporting line for crime, including fraud. But if you want to claim money back from your bank or insurer, you will need to provide your details for the crime reference number.
Yes. Action Fraud needs all reports — even small amounts — to spot patterns and issue warnings. A single £50 scam might affect thousands of people. Your report helps build the picture.
Yes. Reporting to your bank starts the recovery process. Reporting to Action Fraud starts the criminal investigation (or intelligence gathering). They serve different purposes. Do both.
You cannot check online. If you need an update, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 with your crime reference number. For in-depth updates, you will need the local crime number from the force investigating your case.
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This guide is for informational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice. Action Fraud processes and contact details verified July 2026. Sources: actionfraud.police.uk, NFIB guidance, gov.uk.