If you have been scammed and sent money, your first call must be to your bank's fraud team. Use the number on the back of your card — not any number the scammer gave you. Tell them clearly: "I have been scammed. Please freeze my account and stop any pending payments."
- Freeze your accounts to prevent further loss
- Recall transfers made within hours (Faster Payments)
- Block your cards and issue replacements
- Flag your account for enhanced monitoring
- Start an APP fraud investigation (for bank transfers)
If you paid by:
- Debit card — Ask for a chargeback. Time limit: 120 days.
- Credit card (£100–£30,000) — Ask about Section 75 claim. Time limit: 6 years.
- Bank transfer (APP fraud) — New UK law (Oct 2024) requires banks to reimburse up to £85,000. Time limit: 13 months.
- PayPal — Open a dispute in the Resolution Centre within 180 days.
Action Fraud is the UK's national fraud and cyber crime reporting centre. Reporting gives you a crime reference number which helps banks and police track scam networks.
actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040
The online form takes about 20 minutes. Have ready: your bank statement, the scammer's details (phone number, email, website), dates and amounts. Full Action Fraud guide →
If you shared any passwords with the scammer (or if they may have accessed your accounts), change them in this order of priority:
- Email password first — your email is the key to all other accounts
- Banking passwords — change them even if you don't think they were compromised
- Any account where you reused the same password
- Use a password manager (Bitwarden, 1Password, Apple Keychain)
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on every account that supports it
- Never use the same password twice
- Avoid using personal information (birthdays, pet names) in passwords
📖 Learn more: How to secure your accounts →
If a scammer has your personal details (name, address, date of birth), they may try to open credit accounts in your name. Check your credit report for any accounts you don't recognise.
- ClearScore — free (Equifax data)
- Credit Karma — free (TransUnion data)
- checkmyfile — free 30-day trial (all 3 agencies)
| Your Situation | Best Route | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Paid by debit card | Chargeback | 120 days |
| Credit card (£100–£30,000) | Section 75 | 6 years |
| Bank transfer (after Oct 2024) | APP Reimbursement | 13 months |
| Bank rejects your claim | Financial Ombudsman | 6 months |
| Identity theft concerns | Cifas Registration | Apply ASAP |
If you think someone you love is being scammed, the situation is delicate. Scammers often isolate their victims and convince them that family members can't be trusted. Here's how to help:
- Stay calm. Don't accuse or blame. Say "I'm worried the person you're talking to might not be who they say they are."
- Involve their bank. Contact the fraud team at their bank. Banks have safeguarding procedures for vulnerable customers.
- Report it yourself. You can report to Action Fraud on their behalf. Call 0300 123 2040.
- Consider Power of Attorney. If they are losing capacity to manage their finances, lasting power of attorney (LPA) lets you step in.
- Get support for yourself. Carers and family members of scam victims also need support. Call Victim Support: 0808 168 9111.
Being scammed is not just about losing money. It can make you feel ashamed, stupid, isolated, and anxious. These feelings are completely normal. Scammers are professionals — they use psychological pressure, time pressure, and emotional manipulation. It does not mean you are gullible.
- Victim Support: 0808 168 9111 (free, 24/7) — talk to someone who understands
- Citizens Advice: 0800 144 8848 — free, independent advice
- Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7) — if you're struggling to cope
Call your bank's fraud line immediately using the number on the back of your card. Tell them you have been scammed and ask them to freeze your accounts and stop any pending payments. Every minute counts.
Yes, depending on how you paid. If by debit card, you can request a chargeback (120-day limit). If by credit card (£100–£30,000), Section 75 covers you (6-year limit). If by bank transfer (APP fraud), new UK rules require banks to reimburse most victims up to £85,000 (13-month limit).
Report to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. You can also report scam phone numbers and emails to us directly.
You can still report it. Many recovery routes have time limits — check the table in Step 5 above. Even if time has passed, reporting helps police track and stop scam networks.
Stay calm and don't blame them. Contact their bank's fraud team, report to Action Fraud, and consider lasting power of attorney if they're vulnerable. See Step 6 above for the full guide.
Yes — immediately. Start with your email password, then banking passwords, then any account where you reused the same password. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
📖 Related Guides
Digital Threat Response Unit
You have been scammed. But you are not a victim — you are a survivor. BULLY never backs down. We will help you get your money back, report the criminals, and protect your family from the next attack.
Last updated: July 2026. This guide is for informational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice. If you need legal help, contact Citizens Advice or a solicitor.
⚔️ WE FEAR NO ONE — 🐾 GUARDED BY BULLY — DIGITAL THREAT RESPONSE UNIT