📋 Quick Answer: Report scams to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.uk). For phishing emails, forward to [email protected]. For scam texts, forward to 7726. If money's gone, call your bank's fraud team immediately.

Falling victim to a scam is stressful, but taking the right steps quickly can limit the damage. Whether it's a phishing email, a fraudulent bank transfer, or an online shopping scam, knowing how to report a scam in the UK is critical.

This guide walks you through exactly where to report scams and what information you'll need.

1. Report to Action Fraud (National Reporting Centre)

Action Fraud is the UK's central reporting hub for fraud and cyber crime. It's run by the City of London Police and handles reports from individuals and businesses.

How to report:

  • Visit the Action Fraud website at actionfraud.police.uk
  • Call 0300 123 2040 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm)
  • Use their online reporting tool — it takes around 20 minutes

What you'll need:

  • Your personal details (name, address, date of birth)
  • Details of the scam (dates, amounts, how you were contacted)
  • Any evidence — emails, screenshots, bank statements, text messages
  • The scammer's details if you have them (phone number, email, bank sort code)

⚠️ If you're unsure whether you've been scammed, start with our What to Do If You've Been Scammed — Emergency Checklist for immediate first steps.

Once submitted, you'll receive a crime reference number. Keep this safe — you'll need it for any follow-up with your bank or insurer.

2. Contact Your Bank Immediately

If money has been taken from your account or you've transferred funds to a scammer, time is everything. Call your bank's fraud department straight away.

Under the Contingent Reimbursement Model Code, most UK banks must reimburse victims of authorised push payment (APP) scams, provided you acted without gross negligence.

What to say:

  • "I believe I've been a victim of a scam and need to report it urgently"
  • Give them the crime reference number from Action Fraud
  • Ask them to freeze your account and recall any transferred funds

Most major UK banks — including Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC, NatWest, and Monzo — have 24/7 fraud hotlines.

3. Report Phishing Emails and Texts

If you've received a suspicious message but haven't lost money, you should still report it. These reports help law enforcement track down scam operations.

To report a phishing email: Forward it to [email protected] (run by the National Cyber Security Centre).

To report a scam text: Forward it to 7726 (free on all UK networks). The word "7726" spells "SPAM" on a phone keypad. Your mobile provider will investigate and block the number if it's malicious.

4. Report to the Police (for Crimes in Progress)

If a scammer is at your door, or you're being threatened, call 999 immediately.

For non-urgent scams involving violence, threats, or organised crime, call 101 or contact your local police force's fraud team.

5. Additional Places to Report Scams

  • Citizens Advice: Report a scam online via citizensadvice.org.uk — they pass information to Trading Standards
  • Ofcom: Report scam calls and nuisance numbers at ofcom.org.uk
  • Your pension provider: If the scam involves pensions, contact The Pensions Regulator
  • Known scam types explained — learn to recognise phishing, romance scams, holiday fraud, and more
  • CyberAware UK: If you've shared sensitive data (passwords, personal details), we recommend checking with CyberAware UK's dark web monitoring service to see if your information is being traded online

Keep Records of Everything

From the moment you suspect a scam, start keeping a written log. Save emails, screenshot texts, note dates and times of phone calls, and write down the names of anyone you speak to. This paper trail is invaluable if you need to claim compensation or support a police investigation.

What Happens After You Report?

Action Fraud reviews every report. Some cases are passed to local police forces or the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) for investigation. High-value or complex cases involving organised crime may be escalated to the National Crime Agency.

While not every report leads to an arrest, each one adds to the intelligence picture. Your report could help prevent someone else from being scammed.

Need help? If you're unsure whether you've been scammed or what to do next, visit the CyberAware UK website for free resources and guidance on scam recovery. You can also use our Scam Recovery Quick-Reference Card for a printable version of these steps.