Discovering you've been scammed is frightening. Your heart sinks. Your mind races. But here's the good news: acting fast can make all the difference.
If you've been scammed in the UK, use this emergency checklist right now.
⚠️ Step 1: Stop All Communication
Do not engage further with the scammer. Do not reply to their messages. Do not send them more money hoping to get your original payment back — this is a common follow-up tactic.
If they have your phone number, consider temporarily switching off your phone or using call-blocking features.
🏦 Step 2: Freeze Your Bank Accounts
This is the most urgent financial step. Call your bank's fraud department immediately. Most UK banks have a 24/7 fraud hotline — the number is usually on the back of your debit card or on their website.
Tell them: "I've been a victim of fraud. Please freeze my account and stop all pending transactions."
The bank can:
- Freeze your account to prevent further losses
- Recall funds sent to another UK account (faster action = better chance of recovery)
- Cancel any direct debits or standing orders set up by the scammer
- Issue you with new cards and account numbers if needed
Under the UK's Contingent Reimbursement Model Code, most banks must reimburse victims of authorised push payment (APP) scams — but you need to report it quickly.
🔑 Step 3: Change Your Passwords Immediately
If you shared any passwords with the scammer — or if they accessed your computer or phone — change your passwords right now. Start with:
- Online banking password and PIN
- Email account (scammers often use this to reset other passwords)
- Social media accounts
- Any shopping accounts (Amazon, eBay, etc.)
Pro tip: Use strong, unique passwords for every account. A password manager is the safest way to manage them. CyberAware UK recommends checking your email address against known data breaches — if your details are compromised, change your passwords everywhere.
📞 Step 4: Report the Crime
In the UK, you report fraud to Action Fraud — the national reporting centre. Visit actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
You'll receive a crime reference number. Keep it somewhere safe — you'll need it for insurance claims, bank investigations, and any legal follow-up.
If the scam involved a phishing email, forward it to [email protected]. If it was a scam text, forward it to 7726.
For scams involving threats, violence, or a crime in progress, call 999 immediately.
📌 For a complete walkthrough of the reporting process, see our dedicated guide: How to Report a Scam in the UK.
💳 Step 5: Cancel Affected Cards
Even if you haven't given out your card details, cancel any cards that may have been compromised. Your bank can issue replacements within a few days. While you wait, most banks offer immediate access to digital cards through their mobile apps.
👤 Step 6: Check for Identity Theft
Some scams are designed to steal your personal information rather than your money. If you've shared documents like a passport, driving licence, or utility bills, you could be at risk of identity fraud.
What to do:
- Check your credit report with Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion (first report is usually free)
- Look for any accounts or credit applications you don't recognise
- Add a password or "notice of correction" to your credit file to make it harder for fraudsters to open accounts in your name
CyberAware UK's dark web monitoring can alert you if your personal information appears in known breach databases — giving you an early warning that your data is at risk.
💚 Step 7: Look After Yourself
Being scammed takes an emotional toll. Feelings of shame, anger, and embarrassment are completely normal. You are not stupid, and you are not alone — scams are sophisticated and designed to trick anyone.
Talk to someone. Tell a friend or family member what happened. You can also call:
- Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
- Victim Support: 0808 168 9111 (free, independent support for crime victims)
📋 Quick Reference Card
| Action | Who to Contact |
|---|---|
| Freeze accounts | Your bank's fraud team |
| Report fraud | Action Fraud — 0300 123 2040 |
| Report phishing email | [email protected] |
| Report scam text | Forward to 7726 |
| Emotional support | Samaritans — 116 123 |
Print this page or save it now. If you ever need it, you'll be glad you did.
Remember: reporting a scam is not your fault. Every report helps protect others in your community. The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovering your money and stopping the scammers.