Scam Recovery Quick Reference Card 🆘
Print this. Keep it by your phone.
🚨 IMMEDIATE ACTION (Day 1)
- Call your bank NOW — use number on back of card, NOT a number the scammer gave you
- Say "I've been scammed" — ask about chargeback, Section 75, or APP reimbursement
- Report to Action Fraud — actionfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040
- Change passwords — banking, email, all accounts
- Check credit reports — ClearScore / Credit Karma — both free
⏰ CRITICAL DEADLINES
| Route | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Chargeback | 120 days from noticing problem |
| Section 75 | 6 years from transaction |
| APP fraud reimbursement | 13 months from payment |
| Escalate to Ombudsman | 6 months from bank's final letter |
📞 KEY NUMBERS
| Who | Number |
|---|---|
| Action Fraud | 0300 123 2040 |
| Financial Ombudsman | 0800 023 4567 |
| Citizens Advice | 0808 223 1133 |
| Victim Support | 0808 168 9111 |
| MoneyHelper | 0800 138 7777 |
| StepChange (debt) | 0800 138 1111 |
📋 3 ROUTES TO GET YOUR MONEY BACK
1. Chargeback (debit/credit cards)
- No minimum spend
- Bank reverses the payment
- Must act within 120 days
2. Section 75 (credit cards £100–£30,000)
- Card provider is equally liable
- Claim up to £30,000
- 6 years to claim
3. APP Reimbursement (bank transfers)
- Mandatory from 7 Oct 2024
- Refund within 5 business days
- Up to £85,000
🔒 IF IDENTITY IS STOLEN
- Cifas Protective Registration — £25, lasts 2 years
- Check credit at all 3 agencies: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion
- Tell banks to put a note on your account
🗣️ WHAT TO SAY TO YOUR BANK
"I have been a victim of fraud and I want to request a [chargeback / Section 75 claim / APP fraud reimbursement]. I would like to make a formal complaint. If this is not resolved, I will contact the Financial Ombudsman Service."
CyberAware UK — cyberawareuk.co.uk